Health – Montreal Times – Montreal's English Weekly Newspaperhttp://mtltimes.ca
Montreal Times - Montreal's English Weekly NewspaperMon, 19 Nov 2018 21:33:05 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.8How meditation can improve your educational skillshttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/how-meditation-can-improve-your-educational-skills/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/how-meditation-can-improve-your-educational-skills/#respondFri, 16 Nov 2018 13:15:20 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=53132Meditation can improve your educational skills – Neuroscientists, psychologists, yoga practitioners and businessmen constantly talk about meditation. It seizes the offices of large companies, schools, and universities. There are many directions and traditions of meditation. Let’s talk about why it should be practiced by students. And you will decide whether it is worth spending a […]

]]>Meditation can improve your educational skills – Neuroscientists, psychologists, yoga practitioners and businessmen constantly talk about meditation. It seizes the offices of large companies, schools, and universities. There are many directions and traditions of meditation. Let’s talk about why it should be practiced by students. And you will decide whether it is worth spending a few minutes a day to get a huge number of bonuses.

What meditation is?

It is important to note that the concept of meditation should be interpreted correctly. People sometimes erroneously assume that meditation is a process of silent contemplation of some abstract point in front of you, that it lasts for hours, etc.

This is partly true, and partly not. The fact is that there are many types of meditation in the world. Among them, there are not only those that are performed from a sitting position but also standing, even dynamic meditations, when the meditative process occurs at the moment of movement. Perhaps, people associate meditation with the Padmasana (Lotus Pose) because the Vipassana course, aimed at developing concentration skills with a gradual immersion in the process of meditation itself, presupposes hours of sitting in the Lotus Pose.

But Vipassana is just one of the types of meditation, although it is effective enough for beginners who should understand what the meditation is, how it affects the psychophysical state of a human and his life.

Calmness and concentration

Scientists have conducted research and found out that, in the meditation process, the amygdala (responsible for emotional reactions) is significantly reduced in size, which positively affects the state of the human psyche, i.e. it becomes more balanced, less reactive in its responses to stimuli emanating from of the external environment.

The connections between the amygdala and the prefrontal brain cortex are weakened, which also leads to calmness and stimulates higher brain activity, increase in the level of concentration and attention.

Balanced work of the brain hemispheres

Post-meditational effects include the balanced work of both hemispheres of the brain. Usually, the activity of one of the hemispheres is predominant. Thus, in more analytically oriented people, the left hemisphere dominates, which is responsible for logical thinking, verbal processes, etc.

Those people who are called artistic personalities are dominated by the right hemisphere. It is capable of intuitive perception of the external world. Therefore, it is connected, first of all, with creative processes, such as drawing, playing instruments, composing music – those activities where imagination is required for non-standard solutions and approaches.

Balancing the work of the left and right hemispheres will add order to your life.

Structure of the brain

Neurobiologists from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) believe that meditation can improve brain function. They examined 44 people, both usual and trained for a long time.

Half of them practiced meditation from 5 to 46 years, on average, 24 years. Among other techniques, Zazen, Samatha and Vipassana were used. The participants of the study allocated from 10 to 90 minutes for daily practices (most of them noted that deep concentration was always an integral part of their meditation). The remaining 22 people made up a control group.

To understand how meditation affects people, American experts have examined the structure of the brain of participants using the technology of three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging and two additional methods of analysis.

One of them divides the brain into several parts and allows to quickly draw conclusions about the size of specific areas. The second separates the tissues of different types and makes it possible to compare the amount of gray matter in each of the departments.

It turned out that certain structures in the head of experienced meditators were very different from “normal” people, and for the better (the confirmation of the Dalai Lama’s words was finally found).

In particular, the researchers revealed that people who practice meditation have a larger volume of the hippocampus, areas of the orbital-frontal cortex, thalamus, and temporal lower gyrus. Previously, other studies have shown that all these regions are responsible for the emotional state of a person, as well as his ability to control responses.

Now it is clear why experienced meditators have an exceptional ability to tune in to positive thinking, quickly restore their emotional balance, and be more attentive. Apparently, this is very much facilitated by the restructuring of the brain.

Thus, scientists have found out what are the anatomical “consequences” of the ability to turn inside yourself, and also told that it does not matter which type of meditation is chosen by a person.

Simple meditation for students

It is not necessary to go somewhere to meditate. Practicing mindfulness is possible wherever it is possible to breathe. You can use special exercises during a break at a university or while traveling on public transport. Let’s try right now?

Sit on the floor or on a chair so that both feet touch the floor.

To begin with, sit quietly for two or three minutes without pursuing any goal. If you are distracted and thoughts are a mess, do not worry. Breathe a little deeper than always.

The next step – just observe the breath, the sensations in the body and the thoughts that come to you. Try to move away from the stream of thoughts, just observe them. Accept everything that happens without judging yourself, without giving marks. When you start doing this regularly, you will notice that thoughts – at least at the moment of meditation – will become smaller, and a clearer sense of the moment will appear. But it will not happen immediately, only with practice.

Do not judge yourself – there is no bad or good meditation. Moreover, even a few minutes in a state of a relative calmness will be useful.

During the day, stop and ask yourself a few questions:

What do I feel?

What do I think?

Why do I feel this and think about it?

Over time, your life will reach a fundamentally new level of quality and will be filled with new colors. Many students share their results with admiration in the essays composed for the psychology lessons. If you want to write such a paper too, professional services like Pro-Papers will be very useful.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/how-meditation-can-improve-your-educational-skills/feed/0Zero Waste healthy Shampoo – No plastic bottles / No liquid chemicalshttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/zero-waste-healthy-shampoo-no-plastic-bottles-no-liquid-chemicals/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/zero-waste-healthy-shampoo-no-plastic-bottles-no-liquid-chemicals/#respondTue, 13 Nov 2018 21:00:20 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=53002Zero Waste healthy Shampoo – As we all try and do our part in reducing waste, we simultaneously begin to look at how consumption is affecting our health. We become aware of what we eat, use and eliminate down the drain and into our garbage and recycle bins. Our skin improves with the decrease in […]

]]>Zero Waste healthy Shampoo – As we all try and do our part in reducing waste, we simultaneously begin to look at how consumption is affecting our health. We become aware of what we eat, use and eliminate down the drain and into our garbage and recycle bins. Our skin improves with the decrease in chemicals and our environment throws their branches up in a cheer for a cleaner world.

Since we started making shampoo bars, (basic, esp, regular) many years ago, you have given us wonderful feedback on how they lather, how they make our hair clean and fresh and how your scalp is happier and healthier. The pesky eczema on your foot has miraculously vanished. No coincidence that toxic suds are replaced with nutrition to tickle your skin as you rinse. Charcoal Clay Soap and Irish Stout Oatmeal Soap have become popular among shampoo bar lovers.

And more recently, we have been hearing your excitement about how little waste they produce! Not to mention the fact that our shampoo bars contain no harmful chemicals that end up polluting our waters and environment. A tiny piece of paper and a sticker are left. We round that off to “zero” in the large scheme of things.

No plastic bottles. No liquid chemicals. Beautiful lather. Clean and happy hair and scalp. What’s not to love?

Our Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse is the shampoo bar’s sister product. She naturally rinses the residue buildup, leaving your scalp hydrated and your hair soft. We recommend using her no more than once a week. Feel free to create your own with 1/2 water, 1/4 ACV and your favourite essential oil. See Essential Oils.

Our secret to a long lasting shampoo bar is to cut it in half. Rub the bar on your wet head and lather/rinse as usual. It takes time to get used to any change, but once it becomes routine, your hair, scalp, skin, drainage and recycle bin will shine with pleasure in response to your mini revolution.

]]>Psychologically distressed – A SOM survey of 2,000 Quebec men has revealed that nearly one-quarter (22%) may be experiencing psychological distress, yet generally do not seek professional support. The survey was conducted at the request of Regroupement provincial en santé et bien-être des hommes (RPSBEH) and Pôle d’expertise et de recherche en santé et bien-être des hommes, two Quebec organizations devoted to men’s health issues. Only 29% of the men experiencing mental distress say they have asked for help from mental health resources over the past year.

“If we want to improve the quality and availability of services for men in distress, we have to better understand what would help men ask for support and what kind of services they are looking for,” says Janie Houle, PhD, professor of psychology at Université du Québec à Montréal and researcher at the Research Centre at Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal.

Highlights of the survey:

22% of the men interviewed were most likely in a state of psychological distress, based on a six-item scale that measures the perceived frequency of certain mental or physical states: feeling nervous, so tired that everything is an effort, depressed, restless or fidgety, worthless, or hopeless.

Men rarely ask for help, especially about psychosocial matters. While nearly three-quarters say they’ve seen a family doctor or medical specialist over the past year, only 10% report having consulted a therapist. Even among those who were found to have psychological distress, 29% say they had not asked for professional help.

Men are most likely to ask for help when they notice the issue is affecting their children or if they find themselves thinking about suicide. Respondents estimated their likelihood of consulting a professional at 80% in the first scenario and 75% in the second.

The other scenarios asked about in the survey had a much smaller impact on their likelihood of consulting a professional: their spouse threatening to leave them (52%), marital separation (50%), depression (49%), loss of libido (48%), or loss of a job (38%).

For men, the most important factor that would convince them to seek help is feeling like the therapist can really help them solve their problem (48%). They don’t just want to be heard, they want to receive concrete tools and advice from credible professionals.

If the services are free or low cost, that is considered “very helpful” by 58% of the men surveyed. The financial barrier must be removed wherever possible to encourage men to ask for help.

For 78% of anglophone men, having services available in their native language is essential.

How the request for help is met is also important. It is “very helpful” for some men to be able to walk in without an appointment (40%), or to be able to make an appointment online (34%).

Friends and family can also lend a hand in the process. For many men, it’s helpful if a loved one makes the appointment for them (39%) or accompanies them to the first session (45%).

Doctors have a strong influence. Men estimate their likelihood of consulting a psychological professional at 80% if their doctor recommends it. A doctor’s influence is even stronger than a spouse’s (70%) or their friends’ (60%).

Finally, there needs to be more information and awareness about support resources, for example a specialized website presenting all the resources available for men. A website is the communication method preferred by 69% of the men surveyed.

“These new findings will be useful in the rollout of the Men’s Health and Wellness Action Plan from Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux, which was announced on August 22, 2017,” says Raymond Villeneuve, an RPSBEH board member.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/health/nearly-one-in-four-men-psychologically-distressed/feed/0A happy alternative to chemical fragranceshttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/health/a-happy-alternative-to-chemical-fragrances/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/health/a-happy-alternative-to-chemical-fragrances/#respondWed, 07 Nov 2018 16:29:26 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=52569Alternative to chemical fragrances – The information on the toxic effects of chemical fragrances is exploding in the health industry. “The-New-Second-Hand-Smoke” is what people are now calling perfumes and colognes. The fumes linger for hours and are not only hazardous to the users, but bystanders as well. Ever notice the increase of signs in public […]

]]>Alternative to chemical fragrances – The information on the toxic effects of chemical fragrances is exploding in the health industry. “The-New-Second-Hand-Smoke” is what people are now calling perfumes and colognes. The fumes linger for hours and are not only hazardous to the users, but bystanders as well. Ever notice the increase of signs in public waiting places, “No Scents Please”? This is because inhaling these invisible petrochemicals, containing hormone-disrupting phthalates, can cause a slew of damage to our nervous systems. Here are a few…

Other effects are linked to reduced sperm count, liver and breast cancers, reproductive malformation and diabetes! Many skeptics out there choose not to believe that an innocent cosmetic spray or household cleaner can affect our health so negatively. But the reality is unfortunate… we live in a world where we need to start taking accountability and making choices that go against the grain, and waking up to the fact that the FDA might not have all the long term answers, or that the consumer markets do not take our health as a priority over capital gain. They put these scents in more than just perfumes. They are hidden in most cosmetics including creams and soaps, household cleaners and detergents, candles, medications, sunscreen, even diapers! The list goes on. Don’t be fooled by ‘unscented’ products. They create that ‘non-scent’ by adding more fragrance to mask the smell of harsh chemicals! Frustrated? Ya, no doubt.

AROMATHERAPY

The good news is we have alternatives, and the even better news is that our alternatives can be beneficial to our health! Aromatherapy has been used over the centuries to calm our nervous system… Yes, the opposite of what the chemical fragrances have been doing!

The known payoffs of aromatherapy are extensive. Inhaling essential oils stimulates the olfactory system affecting the limbic system which is linked to emotions, heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress, and hormone balance. They can provide respiratory disinfection and decongestant as well as provide psychological benefits that include reducing anxiety, easing depression and boosting energy levels.

Aromatherapy has also been used as a supplemental medicine by strengthening the immune system to increase the healing process, eliminating headaches, enhancing cognitive performance, inducing deep sleep, reducing pain, improving digestion and increasing circulation… just to name a few!

WE ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE NOW CARRY SIX ESSENTIAL OILS TO OUR GROWING COLLECTION.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/health/a-happy-alternative-to-chemical-fragrances/feed/0Banning smoking in CDN / NDG parkshttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/banning-smoking-in-cdn-ndg-parks/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/banning-smoking-in-cdn-ndg-parks/#respondThu, 01 Nov 2018 16:19:16 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=52753Banning smoking in CDN / NDG parks – NDMarvin Rotrand will be tabling a motion to ban smoking in parks at the November 5 Borough Council meeting in Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce. The Snowdon city councilor has long been an advocate for a ban on smoking in parks. The proposed ban will cover tobacco as well as marijuana. […]

]]>Banning smoking in CDN / NDG parks – NDMarvin Rotrand will be tabling a motion to ban smoking in parks at the November 5 Borough Council meeting in Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce. The Snowdon city councilor has long been an advocate for a ban on smoking in parks. The proposed ban will cover tobacco as well as marijuana. It will if adopted apply only to parks in the west-end borough. Parks are local, City Council can recommend but only has jurisdiction in regional parks like Mount Royal.

Marvin Rotrand the Dean of Montreal City Council

“I would like there to be the same uniform rule of no smoking in parks anywhere in Quebec,” he says. Provincial law in Quebec currently bans smoking nine meters from children’s play areas. Rotrand thinks this kind of regulation doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. “There is no such thing as a safe level of smoke,” he says noting smoke diffuses in the air and can travel well beyond a nine meter radius.

Five boroughs on the island of Montreal have adopted non-smoking bylaws. In some places the rules are stringent; in others less so. Westmount recently banned smoking in parks and green spaces. Hampstead went a step further: no smoking at all in public spaces including sidewalks and streets. One potential problem involves smoking marijuana in public spaces. Rotrand thinks some of the existing regulations are ambiguous as applied to smoking marijuana. Any regulations curtailing smoking marijuana are likely to be challenged by marijuana advocates who are riding high now that cannabis use has been legalized in Canada.

The “Dean” of Montreal City Council isn’t worried. Rotrand is the longest-sitting member of Montreal City Council and as such his opinion carries weight across the island-city and throughout the province. He hopes this local initiative will spur other boroughs and cities to follow suit. This isn’t his first rodeo. Rotrand’s fight with like-minded colleagues in other municipalities goes back to 2000. Quebec banned smoking in public spaces and workplaces, such as offices, hospitals, restaurants and bars on 31 May 2006. Smoking is banned on the properties of elementary and high schools. The province eliminated designated smoking rooms in 2008.

However, Rotrand says the government gave them only “a quarter loaf”. “Montreal is not ahead of the curve,” he says, noting twelve hundred US cities have banned smoking in parks, recreation areas, and beaches. Vancouver has done the same; ditto, for Halifax, Ottawa, Saskatoon, and to some extent Edmonton. Quebecers have a reputation for being smokers. This is one of those stereotypes that has a grain of truth. A study at the University of Waterloo on tobacco consumption showed that in 2015, smoking prevalence in Quebec was 14.2%, slightly above the national average of 13.0%, However, from 1999-2015 prevalence appeared to decline fairly steadily, and more steeply than in other provinces.

Premier François Legault has said he intends to follow through on a campaign promise to ban smoking marijuana in public and to raise the legal age to 21 as soon as possible.The Plante administration said it has been in preliminary talks with the CAQ officials about the new government’s proposed amendments to the law. Mayor Valerie Plante said while the city believes in the benefits of the current law, it won’t stand in the government’s way if it decides to do something different.

Rotrand believes there is broad public support for a smoking ban in parks and hopes that his colleagues at the borough and in the city will soon come on board.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/banning-smoking-in-cdn-ndg-parks/feed/0Montreal Canadiens help fight Cancerhttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/news/sport/montreal-canadiens-help-fight-cancer/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/news/sport/montreal-canadiens-help-fight-cancer/#respondThu, 01 Nov 2018 15:13:55 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=52750As part of the NHL Hockey Fights Cancer Program, presented this year throughout the month of November across the League, the Montreal Canadiens are taking part in different initiatives to emphasize the courage of those living with cancer and to raise funds and awareness for a cause that affects almost one out of two citizens […]

As part of the NHL Hockey Fights Cancer Program, presented this year throughout the month of November across the League, the Montreal Canadiens are taking part in different initiatives to emphasize the courage of those living with cancer and to raise funds and awareness for a cause that affects almost one out of two citizens in Quebec.

LEUCAN-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2018

On Saturday, November 3, the Canadiens will dedicate their home game against the Tampa Bay Lightning to children members of Leucan, an association that has dedicated itself over the past 35 years to helping cancer-stricken children and their families believe in a brighter future. Many corporate suite holders at the Bell Centre will provide their support to the Canadiens organization for this initiative by hosting more than 50 young members of Leucan and their parents in their suites for the game. The children and their parents will attend a pre-game reception hosted by the players’ spouses and enjoy a post-game meet and greet with a few players along with team mascot Youppi! Gregory Charles and the Habs Band, along with le Choeur de l’Académie Lafontaine, will join young members of Leucan for the on-ice pregame ceremony. As in the years, the coaching staff, team management and members of the organization will be wearing specially designed lavender Hockey Fights Cancer ties. During the warm-up period, players will wear lavender-coloured jerseys which will then be auctioned off at http://auctions.nhl.com for the benefit of Leucan.

PROCURE-TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2018

On November 27, Jeff Petry will invite the Canadiens’ players to wear a bow tie. The fifth edition of Procure’s Bowvember campaign aims to raise awareness and provide the community with the means to better prevent and cure prostate cancer. Ambassador for a second year, Petry is one of the 30 ambassadors for 2018. Through various awareness initiatives, Procure answers an urgent need for financial resources for the biomedical research community and offers a full range of services and helpful information to Quebecers affected by prostate cancer. To help Procure carry on its mission: https://dons.procure.ca/en/donate

MOVEMBER

Throughout the month of November, several players from the Canadiens will participate in the Movember campaign. This initiative raises funds for clinical and biomedical research and promotes men’s health. The Movember Foundation is addressing some of the biggest health issues faced by men like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. Players invite the public to join their challenge and create their own Movember profile. To join or support their efforts: https://moteam.co/canadiens-de-montreal

About Hockey Fights Cancer

Hockey Fights Cancer unites the hockey community in support of cancer patients and their families. The initiative gets an assist from players, coaches, officials, broadcasters, equipment managers, front office staff, corporate partners, and fans. Together, the hockey community looks to inspire hope and courage for those who are living with, going through and moving past cancer. The program was founded in 1998 by the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players’ Association. Since its inception, the Hockey Fights Cancer programs of the National Hockey League Foundation (in the US) and the NHL Foundation (in Canada), along with NHL Clubs, supporters and fans, have donated more than $18 million to support the cancer programs of national and local cancer research institutions, children’s hospitals, player charities and local charities.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/news/sport/montreal-canadiens-help-fight-cancer/feed/0Pharmacists, Opioids and ‘The Talk’http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/pharmacists-opioids-and-the-talk/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/pharmacists-opioids-and-the-talk/#respondFri, 26 Oct 2018 21:48:35 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=52572This morning was no different than many other days. I pulled a naloxone kit from the shelf in my pharmacy and headed into the counselling room where a patient was waiting for ‘the talk’. The patient is starting an opioid prescription for the first time, and there are many considerations we need to go over […]

]]>This morning was no different than many other days. I pulled a naloxone kit from the shelf in my pharmacy and headed into the counselling room where a patient was waiting for ‘the talk’. The patient is starting an opioid prescription for the first time, and there are many considerations we need to go over to ensure all goes well, including having naloxone on hand in the unlikely scenario where an accidental overdose may occur. It’s a conversation I’ve had many times, and one I find really exemplifies my role in the community and the health continuum.

Opioid overdoses have become more common in Southwestern Ontario in recent years, including in Norfolk County where I primarily work.

Opioids are prescribed to patients to relieve pain, and are often prescribed following invasive surgery, or to manage chronic pain. At high doses, opioids can also give people a feeling of euphoria. This is why some people use opioids like heroin and fentanyl to get high. But the same drugs that makes people feel high can also make them feel drowsy, confused and can affect breathing reflexes, which causes difficulty breathing or can stop breathing altogether if they’ve taken more than their body can handle. This is when an overdose can occur.

As a pharmacist, I encounter people of all walks of life, those who have been prescribed an opioid for pain management. But even prescription opioids shouldn’t be taken lightly. The use of opioids is often stigmatized, and even some medical professionals are uncertain about how to have ‘the talk’ with their patients about use as to not make them feel singled out or judged. However, possessing opioids comes with a responsibility to those around you and with others in the household, opioids can pose a risk. As such, I advocate that anyone with a prescription equip themselves with the emergency tools to aid in potentially dangerous situations and carry naloxone.

NARCAN Nasal Spray

Naloxone (which is often referred to as Narcan, a brand name for the nasal spray version) is an antidote for opioid overdoses that works quickly and is available in Ontario and Quebec pharmacies without a prescription. It works quickly and can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose for a short time, long enough for someone to call 9-1-1 to get necessary medical attention.

Over the past few years as illegal fentanyl has emerged in Canada, law enforcement in cities across the country have reported that fentanyl has been found in other recreational drugs, including cocaine. Thus, even recreational drug users who may not intentionally consume opioids are potentially at risk and should consider carrying naloxone. Much like wearing a seatbelt, carrying naloxone isn’t an indication that one plans to overdose on drugs, but rather that they are prepared in case of an emergency.

According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, in 2017 adults age 45 to 64 and seniors age 65 and older had the highest rates of hospitalizations due to opioid poisoning over the past 10 years, but the fastest-growing rates of use were for those aged 15 to 24. And yet, the average person is still not talking to their pharmacist about how it could affect them and how they can protect themselves and others.

Naloxone is just one component of a bigger strategy in the fight against the opioid crisis, but one I believe everyone can support so that they are able to help in an emergency; it can save a life and prevent a tragedy. I believe all people should feel empowered to have an open dialogue about the risks of opioids, and feel comfortable obtaining naloxone, for a ‘just in case’ moment we all hope never occurs.

By: Allison Tario

Allison Tario is a Pharmacist at Roulston’s Pharmacy in Southern Ontario.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/pharmacists-opioids-and-the-talk/feed/0And, don’t forget the medical use of Cannabishttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/and-dont-forget-the-medical-use-of-cannabis/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/and-dont-forget-the-medical-use-of-cannabis/#respondFri, 26 Oct 2018 12:55:47 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=52533Medical use of Cannabis – With all the excitement created by the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes in Canada, one must also remember that its medical use has been around for some time now. A variety of products, from capsules to oils made with cannabis, have been available in the same way as any […]

]]>Medical use of Cannabis – With all the excitement created by the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes in Canada, one must also remember that its medical use has been around for some time now. A variety of products, from capsules to oils made with cannabis, have been available in the same way as any medication could be prescribed to deal with a particular health problem. There are still some confusions on the part of the public, and that is something a new company in Montreal is trying to help to solve by making it easier to access the right product.

Beleave Inc., a Health Canada licensed producer of cannabis-based in Ontario, has recently opened a Cannabis Clinic in Montreal through its subsidiary Medi-Green. I had the chance to talk to Mahad Ali, the manager of the clinic and the first thing he says is “We don’t sell any product, what we do is to provide the patient access to the right product after a consultation with a doctor.”

Montreal Times: Since this is a private clinic, how much does it cost to access its services?

Mahad Ali: The year membership costs $89.99, and that includes the consultation with a doctor. In this way we provide a tailored service to the patient, targeting his or her exact needs. There will be a follow-up, so the patient will also be able to see how the treatment is going. Since this is a medical service, patients will get a receipt for which they can get a tax deduction.

MT: What is the clinic’s experience in this field?

MA: The clinic has been open in Ontario for four to five years now. We have had a growing number of people using our services, and we are expanding.

For her part, Anne Whelan, Director of Customer Services for Beleave shows me the variety of products and tells me the various health problems for which the different products can be used, among them, epilepsy (helps in controlling the seizures), sleeping disorders, and hyperactivity in some children. Of course, all of them after a consultation with a doctor which the clinic arranges for its members.

Melissa Maria Fundora, Customer Services Representative also provides me with specific information on the different products for which the clinic provides access.

The clinic is located at the heart of the Plateau Mont-Royal, on 4123 St. Denis Street. For more information visit its website www.medi-green.ca or follow it on Facebook.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/and-dont-forget-the-medical-use-of-cannabis/feed/0Free BIXI Sunday – Enjoy your ride through Montreal FREEhttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/free-bixi-sunday-enjoy-your-ride-through-montreal-free/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/free-bixi-sunday-enjoy-your-ride-through-montreal-free/#respondWed, 24 Oct 2018 12:28:36 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=52499Free BIXI Sunday – The last Free BIXI Sunday of 2018, sponsored by Manulife, will be on October 28. All day long, riders can take as many 30 minutes trips as they like without paying a cent. A MOVIE AND BIXI Again this year, we’re offering you an opportunity to wrap up your Free BIXI […]

A MOVIE AND BIXIAgain this year, we’re offering you an opportunity to wrap up your Free BIXI Sunday, sponsored by Manulife, with a trip to the movies! At the brand new Cinéma du Musée (Montreal Museum of Fine Arts), Bixists can attend a showing of Anthropocene for free. Narrated by Pascale Bussières, this “cinematic meditation” tells the story of humanity’s enormous impact on the planet. This earthshaking film will send you to the four corners of the world.

To get their two free passes, Bixists need to go to one of the four expressly indicated BIXI stations where a Manulife valet will hand out the tickets on a first-come, first served basis. Get all the info on bixi.com.

2 movie tickets for the price of 1

In addition to the evening at the Cinéma du Musée, the following promotion continues: 2 movie tickets for the price of 1 every Sunday night from 19 pm at Cinéma Beaubien and Cinéma du Parc by showing your BIXI key.

This offer is valid from April 15 to November 15, 2018 for members with an active BIXI key.

ABOUT BIXI MONTRÉALBIXI MONTRÉAL is a non-profit organization created by the City of Montreal to manage Montreal’s bike-share system. As of 2018, the network has 6,250 bikes and 540 stations throughout Montreal as well as in Longueuil and Westmount.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/free-bixi-sunday-enjoy-your-ride-through-montreal-free/feed/0Is there still lead in lipstick?http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/is-there-still-lead-in-lipstick/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/is-there-still-lead-in-lipstick/#respondTue, 23 Oct 2018 22:39:18 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=52492It was 8 years ago that I reviewed “Lipstick’s lethal lead’. I think it’s time to check it out again. Back then I wrote: We eat while wearing lipstick We drink while wearing lipstick We kiss while wearing lipstick. We spread the lead around. The average American woman, inadvertently, can eat 4 pounds of her […]

]]>It was 8 years ago that I reviewed “Lipstick’s lethal lead’. I think it’s time to check it out again. Back then I wrote:

We eat while wearing lipstick
We drink while wearing lipstick
We kiss while wearing lipstick.
We spread the lead around.

The average American woman, inadvertently, can eat 4 pounds of her lipstick in her lifetime.

No exposure is without harm. But this is not new news. Back in 2003 lead in lipstick made the headlines. Many of you were exposed and specific brands targeted for the lead contaminants in the lipsticks.
In 2009 the FDA scientists (PCPC) claimed that there are no toxic levels of lead in lipstick. CSC (Campaign for Safe Cosmetics) disagreed.

If we believe the FDA we think we are safe.

If we believe the CSC (Campaign for Safe Cosmetics) we question our safety. The FDA scientists back up their studies, but if you read it carefully it seems that they knew beforehand what it was they wanted to prove.

An update

In 2016 the FDA reported:

More than 99 percent of the cosmetics we surveyed contained less than 10 ppm lead. Based on our surveys we determined that manufacturers are capable of limiting lead content in cosmetic products to 10 ppm or less if they are careful about selecting their ingredients and follow good manufacturing practices.

No exposure is without harm

The manufacturers may be capable, but are they all being cautious? It seems not much has changed. It is not illegal for there to be lead in your lipstick.

Lead in your lipstick can come from colorants, petroleum, paraffin and mineral oil. The European union has banned chemicals in cosmetics that cause birth defects, mutations and cancer. The FDA has failed to take any action to protect customers re lead and lipstick. Canada follows what the FDA says.

The CSC still claims that any level of lead is dangerous. It is the cumulative effects of the lead that should be looked at and it is not. Dr. Mercola cites it as high as 10 lbs., not just 4 lbs. that can be consumed in a lifetime.

Joe Schwartz wrote an article on May 20th, 2017: ‘Is there lead in my lipstick?’ Quote: “…lead of course is of greatest concern during the developmental period. But lipstick is not a food and furthermore is not used by children, so the comparison of the lead content of lipstick to that allowed in food is totally inappropriate.”

True, lipstick may NOT be classified as a food, but we do ingest it through the skin. Children do sometimes wear lipstick and not just on Halloween either. Young children often apply makeup if involved in dance or theatre.

There is no safe level for anyone!

If you wear lipstick or are concerned about someone who does, you can write to the companies and ask them about lead in their lipstick. They will tell you that they do not add lead to the lipstick. This should not ally your fears, as you now know that it may inadvertently be in other contaminated ingredients.

In my original article I asked if you had access to a 24K-14K gold ring and a lipstick you fear may contain lead? Rub some lipstick on the back of your hand and scratch with the gold ring. If the lipstick color changes to black then you can be sure the lipstick contains lead.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/is-there-still-lead-in-lipstick/feed/0Medical Marijuana – History, myths and truthshttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/medical-marijuana-history-myths-and-truths/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/medical-marijuana-history-myths-and-truths/#respondFri, 19 Oct 2018 14:38:28 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=52350Medical Marijuana – Back in the early 1920’s, Cannabis, the original Latin name for what many people now call ‘Marijuana’, was grossly misunderstood and actually thought to turn users into ‘homicidal maniacs’ – which eventually proved unfounded. In 1923 it was even added to the ‘Schedule of the Opium and Narcotic Control Act’. Despite all […]

]]>Medical Marijuana – Back in the early 1920’s, Cannabis, the original Latin name for what many people now call ‘Marijuana’, was grossly misunderstood and actually thought to turn users into ‘homicidal maniacs’ – which eventually proved unfounded. In 1923 it was even added to the ‘Schedule of the Opium and Narcotic Control Act’. Despite all that, its use never disappeared – and perhaps there were those who unknowingly at the time, were reaping the medicinal benefits of the herb.

Fast forward to the 1960’s era counterculture, where the ‘beatnik’ generation led way to the ‘hippy’ revolution – and marijuana had its own revolution, in a very big way. Its use only grew from there, crossing borders and oceans to a point where in 1969, here in Canada, the ‘Commission of Inquiry Into the Non-Medical Use of Drugs’ was established. In 1972, the Commission recommended ‘decriminalizing simple cannabis possession and cultivation for personal purposes’.
Users were naturally finding their way to marijuana’s medicinal benefits and by the year 2000, Canadians were given the ‘Constitutional Right to use Cannabis as Medicine’ with legal access being given to those with HIV/AIDS – who were also allowed to grow their own plants at the time. Much controversy and history followed, but it all led the way to where we are today in Canada, with countrywide legalization of recreational marijuana on October 17th 2018. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau fulfilled his 2015 campaign promise and now Canadians over 18 years old are able to purchase recreational Cannabis, produced by government licensed growers and sold at licensed stores and online sites.

In between all the fanfare of legalization, questions about the use of Medical Marijuana have grown. Some controversy surrounds it – mostly because of the lack of information available for people to better understand what it is all about. Clinical studies are often a long process and therefore the scientific proof needed to advance its use could be years away – maybe too late for those who it can help now. In the meantime, there are many doctors who have already been legally prescribing medicinal marijuana to their patients for different conditions and have been following them for years, seeing positive results and making them proponents of its use. While others doctors require concrete data as proof, not ready to give their patients prescriptions until then – and one must respect their commitment to their profession and ethical standards.

Cannabis Oil Product

MEDICAL MARIJUANA is generally used in the form of oils, smoked or baked into ‘edibles’ and available only through licensed producers to those with a valid prescription. It’s also common for people to use vaporizzatori, also known as vaporizers, to smoke medical marijuana. If you live in the Tampa area of Florida and are looking to find dispensaries who deliver, you could look into something like trulieve tampa to find the nearest one to you and find the proper products and get the care you need.
It has been showing great promise in helping to alleviate symptoms from many types of conditions and chronic pain – but it is important to try and understand a few things first:

WHAT ABOUT THE ‘HIGH’ ASSOCIATED WITH MARIJUANA? Meet the Cannabinoids: CBD & THC
Aurora Cannabis one of Canada’s leading suppliers of pharmaceutical-grade marijuana explains it well: ‘Cannabinoids are chemical compounds produced by the cannabis flower that act on the cannabinoid receptors scattered throughout the body. These receptors are part of the larger endocannabinoid system, which works in the same way as your other systems (nervous, digestive, etc.) to manage processes in the body such as appetite, pain-sensation, mood and memory. When the endocannabinoid system is not working properly, the results are physical complications and illness. Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD help by mimicking your natural endocannabinoids, providing relief from certain types of symptoms’.

Marijuana Vaporizer

SO WHAT IS THC? Also known as ‘delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol’, THC is the principal psychoactive ingredient of cannabis, which means it is the cannabinoid responsible for the ‘high’ or euphoria. But according to some studies and contrary to popular belief, most medicinal users build up a tolerance to the psychoactive effects and even with higher levels of THC in their blood they are not walking around – or for that matter, driving while high.

WHAT IS CBD? Also known as ‘cannabidiol’, CBD is the second most well-studied cannabinoid. One primary difference is that CBD is non-psychoactive, lacking the ‘high’ patients experience when using THC.

BY FINDING THE RIGHT BALANCE between the two or on their own, they have shown through scientific study to alleviate the symptoms of the the following conditions: Arthritis, Chronic Pain, Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, Depression and Anxiety, Fibromyalgia, Glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Insomnia, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscle Spasms, Neuropathic Pain, Parkinson’s Disease, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Epilepsy (recently showing extremely promising results especially in children with rare forms of the disease) and particularly with Cancer where there has been a growing number of documented cases where tumours have shrunk significantly or even disappeared with medical marijuana use – something that should not be taken with skepticism but instead with optimism and faith. This is one of the main reasons that so many people buy cbd oil and other cbd products.
There is really no question about the importance of proper studies, but in the meantime – a better understanding and appreciation of the present and real human experience, should be considered as equally important.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/medical-marijuana-history-myths-and-truths/feed/0Canada makes history and sells legal Marijuanahttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/canada-makes-history-and-sells-legal-marijuana/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/canada-makes-history-and-sells-legal-marijuana/#respondThu, 18 Oct 2018 00:32:24 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=52316Legal Marijuana – Today, Wednesday October 17, 2018 Canada became the second country in the world –after Uruguay– to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes. And the response to this notable event in Canadian life was also quite spectacular in our city: by mid afternoon the line to buy legal marijuana from downtown SQDC (Société québécoise […]

]]>Legal Marijuana – Today, Wednesday October 17, 2018 Canada became the second country in the world –after Uruguay– to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes. And the response to this notable event in Canadian life was also quite spectacular in our city: by mid afternoon the line to buy legal marijuana from downtown SQDC (Société québécoise du cannabis) on Ste. Catherine between Mansfield and Metcalfe counted many hundreds. Indeed it snaked around Metcalfe to finish at the entrance of the Sun Life Building, and by then more people kept arriving.

A large crowd gathered around the SQDC store downtown this Wednesday to buy legal marijuana

Observing the crowd gathered around the store, plus some dozens of journalists, TV crews, and a few curious bystanders, one had the opportunity to capture what was an exceptional moment. Two of those whom I interviewed actually used the term “historic” regarding the occasion, although one of them asked me to withdraw it, maybe he considered too grandiloquent. The crowd waiting to get into the store was very mixed, although with a predominance of young people (18 to thirty-something group), but also with some older men and women (one lady, probably in her sixties, said that she felt very happy for the occasion, but then refused to give her name and didn’t allow me to take her picture).

Customers entered the store in groups of five

The end of prohibition, as one of the young men, characterized the moment, perhaps contributed also to an ambivalent attitude among the potential pot buyers: while they were happy to share the occasion, at the same time they had some reservations to provide their names or have their pictures taken. An understandable situation one may say.

“We have been waiting for four hours,” told us Louis Serre and Victor H., two francophone young men who didn’t regret the long wait since for them the fact that the government is handling the sale of cannabis offers more guarantees on the safety of the product. They also emphasized the importance of this new era for those who need it for therapeutic purposes. Michael Clarke also lining up for a long time, regarded the moment as “very meaningful” and added this was a small step to initiate a conversation toward a more progressive society. “Now it is very important that those charged with possession before this law went into effect that they should not have a criminal record,” he said.

Two female Concordia students for their part asked not to reveal their identities, but they also underlined what the new legislation meant to them: “we’ll get to know what effects this new situation of legal marijuana could bring to our society” and in regard to the products they indicated that “there will be more variety.” They also were very critical of the new provincial government’s attempt to set the legal age to buy marijuana at 21, “no jurisdiction in the country has such a requirement,” they said. “It would also contribute to a black market selling pot to young people,” added one of them.

Ryan and Zach: exciting times

Cyr, a thirty-something francophone was there mostly because he wants to use cannabis to deal with pain. We finally the reach of the line just in front of the Sun Life Building, where Ryan and Zach were happy that this moment has finally come: “it’s historic” said Ryan. “An exciting time, the end of prohibition,” they said in a very enthusiastic tone, somehow contrasting with the grey afternoon.

Indeed, the beginning of a new era regarding a substance whose use will remain controversial, but at the same time, an occasion to underline the libertarian character of the Canadian society. Without overlooking the fact that freedom should also be accompanied by responsibility.

TV crews and journalists, including some American networks, covering the historic occasion

Not entirely prepared yet: the store displays a makeshift sign

Nothing special about the store. The notice on the wall calls for a responsible use

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/canada-makes-history-and-sells-legal-marijuana/feed/0Dealing with eczema naturallyhttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/dealing-with-eczema-naturally/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/dealing-with-eczema-naturally/#respondWed, 17 Oct 2018 13:50:24 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=52299Dealing with eczema naturally – We can’t cure your eczema, we can only help to soothe it externally. And with you working internally, you can meet us half way. You have the capability to heal your eczema by making certain choices. AVOIDING CHEMICALS LIKE THE PLAGUE Your skin is just another organ of your body. Organs, […]

]]>Dealing with eczema naturally – We can’t cure your eczema, we can only help to soothe it externally. And with you working internally, you can meet us half way. You have the capability to heal your eczema by making certain choices.

AVOIDING CHEMICALS LIKE THE PLAGUE

Your skin is just another organ of your body. Organs, teeth, bones, mood and mind are all a part of the same whole, no? It’s sounds simple, but we’ve been lead to believe that “fixing” the one area of the body that gives us trouble, is the best way. Plus the creams and mediation that are prescribed can cause more damage, which is a double whammy. 70% of what we apply to and wash our body’s with is absorbed into our delicate systems so being mindful of the ingredients we ingest is crucial.

Dealing with eczema naturally – Healing the body as a whole

Your skin’s health is a result of the imbalance of your entire body. Gut health, stress levels, lack of sleep, immunity, all contribute to eczema. We think our skin outbreaks are caused by an allergy or high stress… but these are just triggers. Getting to the root of the cause is the only way to ‘fix’ it.

We need to look at the body as a whole in order to help ourselves heal the separate pathologies or ailments that manifest. Mental and physical. Avoiding chemicals to wash, moisturize and soothe, and replacing them with natural ingredients is a great start and can make the world of difference for many suffers. Yet other’s still struggle, not sure what the problem is…

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT

It’s not only chemicals in our skincare, make-up and cleaning products, but there are unwanted matter in our food as well.

Gut flora is the basis for a huge portion of our health. This ‘second brain’, affects our mood and our skin! For meat eaters, I recommend Paleo or GAPS. Warm soups with bone stock and marrow are an excellent source of nutrients for healing the gut. For vegans and vegetarians, juicing fruits & veggies and consuming superfoods like moringa can help improve your digestion and change the microbiome. I recommend seeing a professional or doing your own research on how to re-populate the bad flora with good to rebalance the delicate environment that lives within. Just remember that bad bacteria strive on grains, dairy and sugar. The good populate when you starve the bad and feed the good! Abundance of clean water is paramount to a clean system. Diet can take you places. So can sleep.

A LITTLE R&R CAN GO A LONG WAY

Sleep is another huge component to our health. Our bodies restore themselves when our parasympathetic nervous system is activated during rest and relaxation. Two mysteries of life that continue to allude us all! Our body can repair itself to homeostasis only if we allow it… easier said than done. Changing your schedule is not available to most of us. But carving out time to take care of ourselves as a priority can go a long way.

HOW WE CAN HELP!

We now offer a package of products compiled by you! Our customers have shared with us what works best. Ease the itch. Reduce the swelling. Moisten the skin. See Eczema Package

There are many components to easing eczema. But you may find when you venture on this path, other aspects of your life will shift for the better, heal as a whole, gain energy, change thinking patterns.

PATIENCE

Turning your cosmetic collection from chemical to natural is a long process. Changing your diet, stress levels and lifestyles is a big ball game. Patience is required on this life long journey to pure health, so we do what we can while trying not to stress!

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/dealing-with-eczema-naturally/feed/0Eczema the healthy organic curehttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/eczema-the-healthy-organic-cure/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/eczema-the-healthy-organic-cure/#respondMon, 15 Oct 2018 15:31:56 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=52244Eczema the healthy organic cure – We admit the answer is complicated: Your DNA, climate, environment, food intake, and whatever touches your skin. Might be a form of eczema of which there is no known cure. Eczema the healthy organic cure It is often advised: “With eczema on your hands, use cortisone and unscented soap.” […]

]]>Eczema the healthy organic cure – We admit the answer is complicated: Your DNA, climate, environment, food intake, and whatever touches your skin. Might be a form of eczema of which there is no known cure.

Eczema the healthy organic cure

It is often advised: “With eczema on your hands, use cortisone and unscented soap.”

“Cortisone

For itchy skins

Even though we know it thins

Use Steroid cream sparingly

Along with Soap Unscented’”

The advice is to use the steroid cream sparingly. But why the ‘soap unscented’?

Unscented soap means free of synthetic fragrance. Using a soap without fragrance is wise. What they do not tell you is that the unscented commercial soap contains other ingredients that do absolutely nothing beneficial for the skin and are often irritating. If your skin is already tender, why would you want to add parabens, triclosan, sulphates, ureas, 1,4 dioxane, formaldehyde, phthalates, toluene.

Eczema the healthy organic cure – We, at Earth to Body, have an alternative recommendation, one which has produced phenomenal testimonials.

To stop hands cracking and bleeding, ask Joe.

“Suffering from eczema on my fingers for over a year. Skin was severely cracking, flaking, horrible patches. Tried many natural products (unrefined shea butter, aloe, coconut oil, beeswax). Sadly, nothing was working. Been using Earth to Body “x cream & shampoo bar ESP” for 2 weeks. The improvement is unbelievable, it’s 80% better. Also, been applying apple cider vinegar diluted with water, as you recommended. Cannot thank you enough. It’s healed so much in such a short period of time. Will continue using it & will buy more of your products. I’ve sent your web link to friends, who also suffer from eczema.” Joe C.

Follow Joe’s advice

No commercial soaps. Use only natural homemade, head to toe.

No commercial lotions or creams and avoid prescriptions if possible. They may ease, but they also camouflage the underlying issues.

Allow only good nutrition to touch your skin.

To cleanse: Buy natural soaps, preferably handmade by soap crafters. Visit local farms. Go to craft shows. Ask for a soap without synthetic fragrance and unnatural dyes. Buy from us.

To cleanse further, disinfect and normalize the skin: Make your own rinse: An organic apple cider vinegar and water ratio 1:3 or 1:4 restores your PH to normal. Stops itching, dryness. Or even better, try our Apple Cider Vinegar rinse with the added nutrients.

This advice covers all forms of eczema, psoriasis prone skin where the goal is to soothe and improve the condition. As with all our products, we make no claims to curing or healing as no one can do that.

We have a new package available, selling the combo: The ESP Shampoo/Soap bar, the X Cream and the Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse: The ‘Eczema Package’.

Visit our shop and you might catch our chefs in action. If not actually preparing the products, they will still be happy to advise.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/eczema-the-healthy-organic-cure/feed/0Legal marijuana is here – SQDC Cannabis stores – What You Really Should Knowhttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/news/legal-marijuana-is-here-sqdc-cannabis-stores-what-you-really-should-know/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/news/legal-marijuana-is-here-sqdc-cannabis-stores-what-you-really-should-know/#respondMon, 15 Oct 2018 13:00:12 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=52236SQDC Cannabis stores – The launch of legal marijuana is here. In Quebec, at 10:00am Wednesday October 17th 2018, SQDC Cannabis stores will have officially opened across the province – as well as the online sales website (information will be found at the SAQ website at www.saq.com or at https://infocannabis.saq.com/en ). But what does that […]

]]>SQDC Cannabis stores – The launch of legal marijuana is here. In Quebec, at 10:00am Wednesday October 17th 2018, SQDC Cannabis stores will have officially opened across the province – as well as the online sales website (information will be found at the SAQ website at www.saq.com or at https://infocannabis.saq.com/en ).

But what does that mean for users or for that matter, non-users? There is still much confusion, with all the different rules from province to province – and even from city to city. Given some time, most of the questions and issues will be addressed, some bylaws will be challenged in court, as everyone adjusts to the reality that using cannabis is now a legal right in this country – as long as one is of legal age. There will be a ‘honeymoon’ period of course. Some people are expected to light up in celebration and smoke themselves silly with abandon, disregarding those around them. Others will show more restraint, responsibly using the product and showing respect by making sure the pungent smoke stays far enough away from others. For now, here is what Montrealers should know.

Legal marijuana is here

SQDC STORES – OPEN 7 DAYS WEEK 10:00AM – 9:00PM:

– 6872 St. Hubert Street

– 970 Ste. Catherine Street West (Corner of Peel)

– 9250 L’Acadie Boulevard

– 830 Ste. Catherine Street East – *Note only opening sometime during the month of October.

PRODUCT SALES AND PRICES:
– Stores and online sales will offer dried cannabis (whole and ground), pre-rolled joints, oil and oral spray as well as THC and CBD gel capsules. Edibles won’t be available as they aren’t part of the federal government’s initial legalization plan.

– Detailed pricing has not yet been announced – but it is expected that many products will be available at $7.00 per gram. *Individuals are not allowed to have more than 150 grams in their homes. Sales will be restricted to 30 grams at a time.

ONLINE SALES & DELIVERY:

– The same delivery safeguards that now exist for online beverage alcohol sales will also apply to online cannabis sales and includes the following precautions: ID and age checks and the buyer’s signature on delivery, no packages left unattended at the door or delivered to a person other than the buyer.

LEGAL AGE:

– Right now in Quebec, one needs to be 18 years old, but the new CAQ government is promising to raise the age to 21.

GROWING YOUR OWN CANNABIS:

– Quebecers will NOT be allowed to grow cannabis plants in their homes, even though the Federal Law allows Canadians to have up to four plants at home for personal use. It is expected to be challenged in court.

WHERE CANNABIS CAN BE SMOKED (This is the most controversial and challenging area):
– In general, smoking cannabis will be prohibited in the same locations as those set out by tobacco laws, as well as on University, CEGEP, Hospital and Schools grounds. But many cities and boroughs across the province have set their own bylaws, basically not allowing it anywhere in public, pretty much rendering the whole idea of legalization useless and possibly causing increased health problems by forcing users indoors. Even the new CAQ government wants to ban it everywhere in public. It is expected to be challenged in court.

– Some Quebec landlords and condo owners have already banned smoking cannabis in their rental properties with many others planning plan to ban it inside their buildings as well.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE:

– There is no free ride here, be smart and act responsibly.

– Close to 2,000 police officers in Montreal have been trained in Roadside Detection Tests – with 500 to 600 more expected to be trained. They will have the option of using a new drug testing device, although it still unclear on how practical it is and how it will be used.

As Canada lights up, let’s hope it is respected by all and used in a responsible manner.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/news/legal-marijuana-is-here-sqdc-cannabis-stores-what-you-really-should-know/feed/010th Annual Walk4Friendship at the Old Port of Montrealhttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/10th-annual-walk4friendship-at-the-old-port-of-montreal/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/10th-annual-walk4friendship-at-the-old-port-of-montreal/#respondFri, 12 Oct 2018 14:08:22 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=52193The 10th Annual Walk4Friendship will be taking place at the Old Port on Sunday, Oct. 14th. The event is being held by the Friendship Circle a local non-profit that promotes friendship, support, and inclusion for young people with special needs. The 2k walk and 5k run attract hundreds of people every year. Last year there […]

]]>The 10th Annual Walk4Friendship will be taking place at the Old Port on Sunday, Oct. 14th. The event is being held by the Friendship Circle a local non-profit that promotes friendship, support, and inclusion for young people with special needs. The 2k walk and 5k run attract hundreds of people every year. Last year there were just under 1000 participants and the organization raised $510,000. This year the group plans to do even better and has organized teams with the help of several sponsors including the Royal Bank of Canada and Yellow.

“Our theme will be “Pure Friendship”, celebrating the amazing friendship that the organization was able to create and empower for the special needs children and volunteers, ” says Communications intern Audrey Fleurot. The Friendship Circle primarily services children, teens, and young adults from the greater Montreal area although its mandate covers adults up to 40. Members have a wide range of cognitive or physical disabilities including Autism, Downs Syndrome, Development Delays, Cerebral Palsy, and visual impairment. “This year we hope to see many more walkers and runners who aren’t yet affiliated with Friendship Circle,” she says. “We also hope to surpass our last year’s goal of $500,000 which will enable us to create more friendships and inclusive opportunities in the upcoming year.”

It’s all about making our city more inclusive. Racheli the family support and program developer puts it this way: “We’re so grateful and inspired to see the community come together to walk in support of friendship and inclusion for our special friends. This walk celebrates the unique abilities of each individual and the incredible affect of inclusive friendships!”

You don’t have to walk or run to participate, you just have to show up. It’s an opportunity for people to have fun, make new friends, meet old friends, and support special friends. There will be plenty of fun activities for kids of all age groups including interactive games, face painting, tattoo art, caricature artists, virtual reality and the latest rage – ax throwing! – for those who are not faint of heart. Food and beverages will be provided which pretty much guarantees that everyone will have a grand ole time.

If you haven’t yet taken a spin on Montreal’s Observation Wheel now’s your opportunity. Like last year, La Grande Roue has generously partnered with the Friendship Circle and is offering free rides on the giant Ferris wheel for all participants following the festivities. The big wheel is 60 meters high and offers a breathtaking view of the city and mountain with a panoramic vista stretching all the way to Montée de Liesse on the South Shore. It promises to be quite the ride!

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/10th-annual-walk4friendship-at-the-old-port-of-montreal/feed/0Holiday smoothie recipeshttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/food/holiday-smoothie-recipes/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/food/holiday-smoothie-recipes/#respondMon, 08 Oct 2018 14:43:37 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=52135Holiday smoothie recipes – Whether you’re looking to indulge in a festive holiday treat or need a quick solution to fill up before a late-night dinner party, holiday smoothies are a great option that can be whipped up in no time. Check out the recipes and benefits of each below. Holiday smoothie recipes “eggnog” smoothie […]

]]>Holiday smoothie recipes – Whether you’re looking to indulge in a festive holiday treat or need a quick solution to fill up before a late-night dinner party, holiday smoothies are a great option that can be whipped up in no time. Check out the recipes and benefits of each below.

Holiday smoothie recipes

“eggnog” smoothie recipe

Plant-based “eggnog” smoothie. Enjoy the same taste as conventional eggnog without the added sugars. This version is made fresh with spices, fruit and vegetables to provide you with an extra boost. Simply blend together and sip away.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/food/holiday-smoothie-recipes/feed/0What is Calendula and why Earth to Body add it to skin products?http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/local-businesses/what-is-calendula-and-why-earth-to-body-add-it-to-skin-products/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/local-businesses/what-is-calendula-and-why-earth-to-body-add-it-to-skin-products/#respondMon, 08 Oct 2018 14:19:38 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=52128What is Calendula -We have 7 handmade products containing calendula because we love it so much. Calendula: marigold, the ‘herb’ of the sun. The Romans apparently named calendula in the 12th century observing that the flower bloomed on first day of each month (calends). This lovely yellow/orange blossom was a symbol of happiness and used […]

]]>What is Calendula -We have 7 handmade products containing calendula because we love it so much.

Calendula: marigold, the ‘herb’ of the sun.

The Romans apparently named calendula in the 12th century observing that the flower bloomed on first day of each month (calends). This lovely yellow/orange blossom was a symbol of happiness and used regularly in cooking and healing medicines. Full of antioxidants, this flower contains the miracle anti-inflammatory, antibacterial healing properties we so desire.

What is Calendula – Why we add calendula to our skin care products

Baby salve: Calendula is renowned for soothing diaper rash. How sweet is that! (beware of commercial baby calendula creams that most likely contain way too much formaldehyde. Baby may love the marigold aspect, but may react to the formaldehyde,

Nori Neem Soap: Calendula accents this soap for its natural anti fungal and anti bacterial properties. Gardeners, athletes, people who seek an exfoliating soap love ours. Calendula is one of the hidden treasures.

X cream: A best seller. Perhaps it is the calendula that soared it to success. Calendula is only one of carefully chosen ingredients to help with that particular SPOT or AREA that ignites a ‘skin problem’. Testimonials confirm our X cream for eczema, psoriasis, redness, and itchiness. Even on eyelids that are driving you crazy.

Moisturizing Lotion: if you want to treat the entire body, calendula needs to be a part of the team.

Next time you see a marigold, silently thank it, not only for its calming beauty, but also for its donation to keeping our skin alive and healthy.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/local-businesses/what-is-calendula-and-why-earth-to-body-add-it-to-skin-products/feed/0Legal marijuana store addresseshttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/legal-marijuana-store-addresses/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/legal-marijuana-store-addresses/#respondMon, 01 Oct 2018 15:09:47 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=51985Legal marijuana store addresses – The SQDC will gradually open some 20 points of sale as soon as the federal act comes into force and effect on October 17, 2018. The first cities confirmed to have one or more stores are: Legal marijuana store addresses Quebec city – 670 rue Bouvier • Quebec city – […]

]]>Legal marijuana store addresses – The SQDC will gradually open some 20 points of sale as soon as the federal act comes into force and effect on October 17, 2018. The first cities confirmed to have one or more stores are:

Other points of sale will be added through 2020 to ensure good geographic distribution and as determined by market demand.

We are working with the various municipal partners to ensure that the store opening process initiated by the SQDC is as consensual as possible.

SQDC stores will be conventional storefront and they will be located in areas easily accessible to customers. They will not, however, be found in enclosed shopping centres or malls and will always be at least 250 metres from schools and daycare centres (150 metres in the city of Montreal).

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/legal-marijuana-store-addresses/feed/0Canada’s October 17th Legal cannabis countdown beginshttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/canadas-october-17th-legal-cannabis-countdown-begins/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/canadas-october-17th-legal-cannabis-countdown-begins/#respondMon, 01 Oct 2018 15:02:06 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=51980Canada’s October 17th Legal cannabis – On June 20th 2018 the Government of Canada passed the final vote on Bill C-45, the Cannabis Act – given Royal Assent on June 21st. Since then, each province and territory in the country has been scrambling to put together their own set of guidelines on its sales and […]

]]>Canada’s October 17th Legal cannabis – On June 20th 2018 the Government of Canada passed the final vote on Bill C-45, the Cannabis Act – given Royal Assent on June 21st. Since then, each province and territory in the country has been scrambling to put together their own set of guidelines on its sales and use, trickling all the way down to the municipalities, who in turn are creating their own rules. Canada’s October 17th Legal cannabis is enough to make everyone a bit dizzy – without even having inhaled that first puff.

Roadside Checks

Adding a little more to the full pipe of controversy are the legal challenges expected to take place in areas contravening the Federal Act – especially at the municipal levels where in some places they are making it near to impossible to smoke anywhere unless one is fortunate to own their own home, leaving the majority of users at a loss. On the other hand, there are a significant number of users who seem to think they have a right to blatantly smoke pot anywhere they want, imposing not only the pungent smell of the herb on others, but also the second-hand smoke effect, which when inhaled offers more than just tobacco – and that is fact.

Another very important issue not yet addressed, concerns the medicinal use of cannabis and how it will be enforced under the new drug-impaired driving laws – which include roadside saliva tests. Medicinal users (who often use cannabis in the form of oil or edibles) are not ‘high’ when driving and in complete control, when used responsibly and correctly – as one builds up a natural tolerance over a short period of time. But their THC levels could be perceived as way over the limit – should they receive fines or lose their license? It would be unfair.

One thing for certain, when the stores open and pipes are slowly lit starting at midnight on October 17th 2018 in Newfoundland, becoming fully legal across the entire country 4 hours and 30 minutes later in British Columbia – many issues will still need to be addressed.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/canadas-october-17th-legal-cannabis-countdown-begins/feed/0ALS community raises $100,000 at walk for ALShttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/als-community-raises-100000-at-walk-for-als/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/als-community-raises-100000-at-walk-for-als/#respondTue, 25 Sep 2018 22:30:45 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=51887Walk for ALS – On Sunday September 16th, over 800 participants gathered at Maisonneuve Park for the 18th edition of the Walk for ALS in Montreal in support of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Society of Quebec. Families touched by the ALS, volunteers, researchers, Sabrina Cournoyer from the Salut Bonjour morning show and the Montreal […]

]]>Walk for ALS – On Sunday September 16th, over 800 participants gathered at Maisonneuve Park for the 18th edition of the Walk for ALS in Montreal in support of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Society of Quebec. Families touched by the ALS, volunteers, researchers, Sabrina Cournoyer from the Salut Bonjour morning show and the Montreal Alouettes teamed up and walked 4km in honor or in memory of a loved one touched by ALS. Thanks to the many participants and generous donors, the event raised an impressive amount of $100 000, a game changer for Quebec families touched by ALS. The Walks for ALS’ season ends on a strong note as $300,000 was raised across the province to support families touched by ALS and research.

Facts about the Walk for ALS

Organized by ALS Quebec, The Walks for ALS contribute in raising awareness for ALS and funds to support research and maintain quality services offered to people living with ALS and their families all across the province;

40% of proceeds support cutting-edge research currently taking place in Canada and particularly in Quebec. The complementary sixty percent of proceeds support direct services for people living with ALS at every stage of the disease.

Since their beginning in 2000, the number of Walks for ALS increased to include 9 Walks across Quebec and 85 across Canada;

The list of Walks located in Quebec also includes Sherbrooke, Outaouais (Ottawa), Quebec city, Saint-Hyacinthe, Laval, Trois-Rivières, Rivière-du-Loup and Charlevoix.

ALS by the numbers

More commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that attacks the body’s nerve cells, and is usually fatal within 2 to 5 years after the diagnosis. The cause is unknown and there is no effective treatment;

People living with ALS gradually lose their ability to walk, speak, swallow, and breathe. They become prisoners within their own bodies, without losing their intellectual faculties and senses;

In Canada, 2,500 to 3,000 people are living with ALS, including 600 in Quebec;

For every new ALS diagnosis, 1 person dies of ALS;

ALS can affect anyone: 90% of cases are random and 10% of cases are hereditary.

The ALS Society of Quebec is a non-profit community organization that provides programs and services to families touched by ALS during all stages of the disease. Promoting, subsidizing, and advancing research on the causes, treatment, and cure of ALS are also integral parts of the Society’s mission, which survives on donations and proceeds from various fundraising events.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/als-community-raises-100000-at-walk-for-als/feed/0Eating Healthy with Fennel soup recipehttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/food/eating-healthy-with-fennel-soup-recipe/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/food/eating-healthy-with-fennel-soup-recipe/#respondFri, 21 Sep 2018 15:27:55 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=51846Fennel soup recipe – In 490 BC, a great battle was fought on fields of fennel near Athens. The citizens were defending their territory against the incoming Persians, and with the Greeks having a smaller army, their victory came unexpectedly. This epic encounter became known as the Battle of Marathon, coming from the Greek word […]

]]>Fennel soup recipe – In 490 BC, a great battle was fought on fields of fennel near Athens. The citizens were defending their territory against the incoming Persians, and with the Greeks having a smaller army, their victory came unexpectedly. This epic encounter became known as the Battle of Marathon, coming from the Greek word for fennel- marathos. Legend has it that when it was all over, Pheidippides ran the 25 miles to Athens to announce their success, a feat that we see re-enacted today as runners race long-distances in marathons all around the world. Some say the Greeks defeated the Persians on account of their armour and tools, however, a healthy Mediterranean diet that included fennel, may have also helped!

Warriors need strong bones and fennel has two important bone building minerals- calcium and phosphorus. Good cardiovascular health would have allowed the fighters to withstand a long battle and the potassium in fennel would have supported a steady heart rate and kept their blood pressure at healthy levels. Fennel is a good source of many electrolyte minerals, these are needed in good supply especially during intense physical exercise. Fennel is a great food for us modern-day warriors; it contains several phytonutrients that are believed to help prevent cancer and reduce inflammation. One such phytonutrient, anethole, is what gives fennel its distinct anise flavour.

You don’t have to be a fan of black licorices to appreciate fennel; the taste is mild and pairs nicely with other savoury foods. This soup uses three base ingredients that are in-season at the moment: fennel, leeks, and pears. The fennel and leek are the stars of this soup, but butter plays an important supporting role. The pears add a sight, mellow sweetness that rounds off the other flavours and amplifies the buttery taste. Though this soup may be mild, it is sure to keep you strong and capable of fighting the battles of modern-day life.

Fennel, Leak and Pear Soup

Ingredients (makes 4 bowls):

2 tbsp. butter

2 leeks cut into 2 mm slices

1 fennel bulb and stalk chopped

1/2 tsp. salt (divided)

1 pear, peeled and sliced

3 cups of water

1 pinch of ground clove

2 tbsp of fennel fronds (optional)

pepper

Directions: On medium heat, melt butter and add the leek, fennel and 1/4 tsp of salt. Sauté until the vegetables are translucent but not brown. Add your pear and sauté for 1 minute then add the water. Once boiling, turn the heat off and simmer for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat, let it cool down for 10 minutes, and then use immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. Add more salt to taste and a pinch of ground clove. Once the soup is in the bowls, garnish with fennel fronds and pepper.

Natalie Lavers is a health and wellness consultant at La Vie Nourrie in Montreal. She offers advice on using food and stress reduction techniques to support proper digestion and optimal health. Find out more about her, check out more recipes, and subscribe to her newsletter at www.lavienourrie.com. You can also find La Vie Nourrie on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram– check it out!

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/food/eating-healthy-with-fennel-soup-recipe/feed/0Do you suffering from work related injuries? Osteopathic treatment can helphttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/health/do-you-suffering-from-work-related-injuries-osteopathic-treatment-can-help/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/health/do-you-suffering-from-work-related-injuries-osteopathic-treatment-can-help/#respondThu, 20 Sep 2018 13:13:14 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=51799Osteopathic treatment – Sore shoulder, aching arms, legs or feet, back pain. These aches and pains aren’t just the result of getting older or being out of shape. They are often related to our work, especially for women. In 2007, “strains and sprains” accounted for 50 percent of all injuries reported to Canadian workers’ compensation […]

]]>Osteopathic treatment – Sore shoulder, aching arms, legs or feet, back pain. These aches and pains aren’t just the result of getting older or being out of shape. They are often related to our work, especially for women.

In 2007, “strains and sprains” accounted for 50 percent of all injuries reported to Canadian workers’ compensation boards. More women than men report these soft tissue injuries as a result of their work. For example:

Health care workers get bad backs.

Sewing machine operators have shoulder and neck problems.

Bank tellers and cashiers standing on the job get leg or foot injuries.

Computer users get hand, wrist, neck and shoulder problems.

These injuries usually sneak up on us. Women often get on with their jobs, trying to “work through” the pain or ignore night time tingling in their hands. But the injuries can become very painful and, sometimes permanent, disabilities. Depending on what is injured, other tissues can be affected. Work and other activities may be difficult: women may not be able to brush their teeth, hold their children, open doors, prepare food or carry groceries.

Take your breaks, walk at lunch and/or do exercises on the job (eg. shoulder rolls, stretching).

Osteopathic Treatment is the best solution for to decrease your discomfort and pain. Dr. Kruglov is using advance manual techniques, therapeutic laser, naturopathic formulas to increase vital force in order to help the body heal itself faster.

Osteopathy is a way of detecting and treating injury to the body in it’s various forms, whether it be through physical trauma (i.e. whiplash, traumatic birth for mother and baby), repetitive strain, ‘overuse’ i.e. sports injury) or just the knocks and bumps that we collect through life. When the bones, joints and soft tissues of the body are fully mobile, balanced and efficient, like a well tuned complex machine, it will function optimally and with the minimum of energy, effort, wear and tear.

Try to avoid swallowing any of the toothpaste as the toxins can remain in your system.

signed

The Unreliable Toothpaste Company

I used regular toothpaste for years and quite enjoyed the different flavours and tastes, never questioning what I was using. But today, we do question, because we are getting smarter.

Over a lifetime, we might use approximately 70 litres of toothpaste, much of which is spit out, but not all. Besides polluting our waters, the swallowed portions do remain in our tissues. Most of us do not even question the toothpaste we use. We believe it would not be allowed to be sold if it was harmful. Perhaps we are a bit naive.
We should be concerned. Let’s look briefly at each of the above ingredients listed in the ‘AD’ I created.

Artificial Sweeteners: Aspartame is a common one. Banned twice by the FDA. Go figure. The methanol created from aspartame is NOT the same that is found in fruits and veggies (as often claimed) and can be poisonous to humans.

I am not giving any references to the above statements because there are just too many. With google search you can figure it out for yourself. Kudos to you for caring about yourself and doing something about it.

Let’s make better choices.

If you feel adventurous you might try our Tooth Cleanser. Full of nature’s best and certainly different. You will have to get used to the dull green colour, the varying texture due to the coconut base (coconut can do its melt down if warm and a cool up when cold) and a messy sink, but a hot water rinse works well. You just learn to deal with these in order to obtain the best mouth nutrition. A bit of a trip but worth it.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/is-toothpaste-toxic/feed/0REPAIR and REFRESH – Yoga on the Park class for Modern lifehttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/repair-and-refresh-yoga-on-the-park-class-for-modern-life/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/repair-and-refresh-yoga-on-the-park-class-for-modern-life/#respondWed, 19 Sep 2018 13:22:38 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=51789Yoga on the Park – September: a time of transitions: seasons, wardrobe, tasks… physical and mental changes. Some of the symptoms of stress from this: tension, soreness, restlessness, low energy, headaches, upset stomach, tense muscles, chest pain and rapid heartbeat, insomnia Yoga is a good response. Some yoga practices, particularly restorative and nidra, can bring you to […]

Another medical study found a correlation between the ability to deal with stress and sensitivity to pain. The non-yoga participants… some described as healthy and others with fibromyalgia… were found to be much more sensitive to pain. The yoga practitioners in this study, perceived pain at a higher threshold, hence were more able to deal with the physiological effects of stress.

One of the components of yoga drawing particular interest from the medical community is pranayama: breathing techniques. No coincidence that to control over-reaction we have been taught to take ten slow breaths before we speak. Research has begun on the use of yoga practice for PTSD. Researchers at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., are now using yoga…both asana and pranayama…as treatment for vets showing symptoms of PTSD. They believe this to be more efficacious, with less stigma, than traditional methods.

Last week a young woman walked into my class and told me that her therapist has been telling her for years to ‘do yoga’ to help with her anxieties. Even my ‘old school’ GP admits that yoga may actually be having a positive effect on my general health and hence on my mind-set/energy in dealing with the day-to-day stressors we all experience. The news is spreading.

On Sunday, September 30th find out what one yoga practice specifically designed for stress reduction, can do for you. From 2-4 on that afternoon, repair and refresh yourself.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/repair-and-refresh-yoga-on-the-park-class-for-modern-life/feed/0Asthma Canada says Hospitalization peaks after Labour Dayhttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/health/asthma-canada-says-hospitalization-peaks-after-labour-day/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/health/asthma-canada-says-hospitalization-peaks-after-labour-day/#respondWed, 12 Sep 2018 15:37:46 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=51647Asthma Canada – September is here and back to school excitement prevails. I am sharing this information from Asthma Canada because I think it is so important and helpful for families dealing with Asthmatic children. With September comes the peak asthma season usually 17 days after Labour Day according to Asthma Canada. September is when thousands […]

]]>Asthma Canada – September is here and back to school excitement prevails. I am sharing this information from Asthma Canada because I think it is so important and helpful for families dealing with Asthmatic children. With September comes the peak asthma season usually 17 days after Labour Day according to Asthma Canada. September is when thousands of school-aged children end up in hospitals and emergency rooms as a result of asthma-related issues. Hospital admissions for children with asthma rise 20%-25% in September.

Asthma exacerbations during the September Asthma Peak are associated with a rise in seasonal allergens along with the reduced compliance with asthma controller medications. Summer disrupts the routine of regular controller usage, leaving children more susceptible to asthma attacks in the fall. Summer Classrooms expose children to common asthma triggers such as dust mites, molds, and animal dander

“As children start returning to the classroom, a few simple precautions can prevent a trip to the emergency room,” said Vanessa Foran, President & CEO of Asthma Canada. “The common-sense tips that we suggest can drastically increase the likelihood of a safe and symptom-free return to school.”

Asthma Canada encourages parents of children living with asthma to develop a personalized Asthma Action Plan for their kids with their doctor. The plan is used to identify early warning signs of an asthma exacerbation and is proven to help better manage a child’s asthma.

Understand the differences in how your child’s asthma is controlled. Asthma is well controlled if there are no night-time asthma symptoms, if daytime symptoms occur less than 4 times/week. If they can exercise with no symptoms and if a reliever is needed less than 4 times/week

Asthma is getting worse if sleep is disrupted due to asthma symptoms and if there are daytime symptoms 4 or more times/week. If you cannot exercise normally and need a reliever more than 4 times/week.

It is time to get help if there is difficulty speaking due to asthma and your child is experiencing shortness of breath at rest. If their lips or nails are turning blue and their reliever does not work you need to get to the hospital.

Have a record of the medications your child is on and share the information with school officials and teachers. Help your child to understand their asthma triggers and teach them how to avoid them. Monitor the medications and make sure they are taken as prescribed and that your child knows how to use their puffer. Teach your child proper hand washing techniques and stress the importance of frequent hand-washing to avoid catching a cold.

Asthma Canada is a national organization that provides evidence-based, asthma information, education, management tools and support programs for all Canadians living with asthma. Asthma Canada continues to expand and improve its collection of educational resources for campaigns such as the September Asthma Peak. More information about Asthma Canada’s programs and services can be found atwww.asthma.ca.

]]>Baby’s Skin – Newborns and sensitive skin are a given. Keeping baby’s skin healthy is an important consideration.

We believe in natural baby skin care. We believe less is more. A newborn needs minimal in body lotions and creams. Most experts advise to avoid drying baby powders, perfumes, dyes, phthalates, and parabens.

Most newborn babies do not need immediate skin care. It is often advised to not even bathe a newborn for the first week. Baby’s skin, if dry and flaky, most often will shed itself. Nature at work. The diaper area needs cleansing, of course. Warm water alone and/or a natural soap are best. Our baby castile soap could not be better in its simplicity.

When ‘all body’ ready, use healthy oils. Olive oil has always been a positive choice, but if that is your choice, choose a good one. Olive oil is so popular there are many less nutritious ones out there. I prefer pure argan, coconut, shea and emu oil. Did you know that the native Australian aboriginals gently apply emu oil to a new baby’s skin, as a celebration of the baby’s birth? The emu has been a bird of survival for them, thus a bird of worship. Many countries are fortunate to have prized oil. Morocco: argan oil. Greece: olive. Africa: shea. Pacific Islands: coconut

Sometimes the baby needs extra help. The human skin is not perfect. Baby may have rashes, bumps, eczema, diaper area issues. Adjusting to a new environment is a challenge. There are healthy suggestions to help treat diaper rash, prickly heat, pimples, cradle cap, and eczema.

We offer our Organic Baby Package

All pure. Neem may not be that prevalent on the market but it is an incredibly wise choice. As a baby diaper area solution, you will be amazed. It is soothing on the skin and can be used on extreme dryness and cracked skin. Our baby neem salve is gentle enough for newborns. After 6 months, our regular neem salve can be used.

Commercial baby wipes can be chemically laden. Our lavender linen spray not only works beautifully as a wipe, but also seconds as a calming influence when spritzed in the room. Baby wipes are a necessity of convenience but you wisely choose to avoid the commercial ones. There are recipes online to make your own, but since time is an issue with a new baby, shop at a health food store for wipes or try our lavender linen spray with a damp cloth.

Babies love to be held, cuddled and massaged. Our oil blend of sunflower, jojoba and evening primrose is gentle massage oil. The blend is essential oil free, as a newborn’s regime is best kept simple. You might wish to add a favourite baby-recommended essential oil later on, but at the beginning, simple works best.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/health/caring-for-babys-skin/feed/0Absolutely Natural – Miss leading labels!http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/absolutely-natural-miss-leading-labels/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/absolutely-natural-miss-leading-labels/#respondMon, 10 Sep 2018 12:37:44 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=51603Health – We hear this all the time from our customers. You are frustrated with the marketing out there. You so diligently inspect the label in the store. You see the ‘all natural’, ‘organic’ inscribed on products. You purchase what you think is safe for yourself and your family, only to get home after a long day, […]

]]>Health – We hear this all the time from our customers. You are frustrated with the marketing out there. You so diligently inspect the label in the store. You see the ‘all natural’, ‘organic’ inscribed on products. You purchase what you think is safe for yourself and your family, only to get home after a long day, kick your feet up and inspect further. The ingredient list, in fact, contains chemicals! You do your research. Some sites claim these chemicals are safe, non-irritating, non-allergenic, non-toxic, non-carcinogenic … but you dig further. You read about the side effects of synthetics, alcohol, thickening agents, perfumes and wonder… Is this really safe?

Can we not trust an industry that has regulations and restrictions on labeling?… an industry that assures us these products are safe, yet our skin gets irritated. We have allergic reactions, and who knows what other side effects we experience without connecting it to our products?

All cosmetic companies here in Canada do have to follow mandatory labeling guidelines. However, if a small amount of a certain ingredient is present it may not have to be identified on the label. The lines are blurry. A company might claim ‘all natural’ because ingredients do come from natural sources, but once extracted and altered they can be toxic.

Here are a few chemicals we found in skincare that claims to be “natural”. Their possible toxic reactions can occur through inhalation, skin exposure and ingestion.

Why risk slathering these on your baby? Unfortunately, we could list pages and pages of other poisons found in products that claim they are natural and safe. It isn’t a fair world out there, but don’t worry… you have us.

Earth to Body uses only pure goodness from the EARTH for your BODY. What you lather on your hair, your face and your body gets absorbed into your delicate system. We proudly encourage you to read OUR ingredient list and be rest assured. We use ingredients that are good enough to eat. AND we use ingredients that can actually reverse the damage done by chemicals! See our FULL INGREDIENTS LIST HERE. All of our products are 100% natural except for creams and lotions which are 95%. It is impossible to make a cream or lotion (water and oil base) without an emulsifying wax. I have never seen another cream or lotion on the market as pure as ours. All have a shelf life. This is what makes them so good for you. See About Our Product and Packaging.

To all of our happy customers out there, you are so welcome! You can finally relax. Feed your skin nutrition from nature. You will always understand our labels.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/absolutely-natural-miss-leading-labels/feed/0Laughter is ‘The Best Medicine’ for stresshttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/laughter-is-the-best-medicine-for-stress-2/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/laughter-is-the-best-medicine-for-stress-2/#respondThu, 06 Sep 2018 12:28:52 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=51465The Best Medicine – Last week I talked about laughter and how it really is “The Best Medicine” I briefly touched on Laughter Yoga and referred to Liliana De Leo’s website www.lilianodeleo.com . I was interested in her take on laughter and how she started to use it in her practice. Liliana De Leo discovered […]

]]>The Best Medicine – Last week I talked about laughter and how it really is “The Best Medicine” I briefly touched on Laughter Yoga and referred to Liliana De Leo’s website www.lilianodeleo.com . I was interested in her take on laughter and how she started to use it in her practice. Liliana De Leo discovered Laughter Yoga in 2006. As a fitness professional working as Fitness Program Director at the YMCA at the time, she saw both the physical benefits of the Laughter Yoga
and the emotional resilience it built within herself and her students. She went on to become a Laughter Yoga Teacher in 2011 and then a Laughter Yoga Master Trainer in 2017.

Now I am hooked on the idea! I started to watch some of the U-tubes on laughter Yoga done by her and others. At first I felt silly laughing and forcing myself to laugh but it becomes really catchy. Laughter sets the spirit free to move through even the most tragic circumstances. It helps us shake our heads clear, get our feet back under us and restore our sense of balance and purpose. Humor is integral to our peace of mind and ability to go beyond survival.” ~Captain Gerald Coffee, POW in Vietnam. I visited Vietnam last February and learned more about the horror stories during those times. If laughter could help people through that conflict and devastation I am convinced that we all can benefit from it.

Liliana believes that our life challenges are likely due to one, two or all of these kinds of events. She calls them the dreaded D’s; Debt, Disease, Divorce or the Death of a loved one. Each carries a certain degree of stress and can create a very heavy heart within us. “It is easy to fall victim and engage in a major pity party complaining to anyone who is in earshot. I have nothing against sharing these challenge with others. In fact, it’s important to share this
vulnerable time and get person-to-person social support. What is important after sharing the problem with others, is to get in a state of mind focusing on the possible solutions to help alleviate the problem.”

Now this is where her ideas resonate with me. I am reminded that I always talk about taking charge of you own health. We all all manage stress differently but I think everyone can laugh or learn to laugh. What may help people to become solution-focused is to try to find the humor in the conflict or problem or tragedy. Trying to find humor may help us to not take the situation or ourselves too seriously. Liliana admits that this is often one of the hardest things to do! “I have often laughed in moments I only wanted to cry. What happens after allowing ourselves to laugh is a sense of strength takes hold of us. If we are able to laugh in the face of adversity, we become stronger.”

It is probably much easier to remain upset, sad angry and/or frustrated when unanticipated circumstances cause havoc in our lives. It takes strength to decide to engage in the action of laughter in moments of distress. Some of us may be able to chuckle by ourselves and others may more easily learn to do so in groups. Once learned, laughter can be used in many situations…traffic, line ups in grocery stores, car break downs and on and on. Once integrated into how we respond to life’s events even more tragic situations can be made to feel just a little bit lighter.

Liliana holds Living Laughter workshops and two and five day Laughter Yoga teacher training sessions. For more information, call (514) 575-2033.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/laughter-is-the-best-medicine-for-stress-2/feed/0Wonder Race to take over downtown montreal and benefit Shriners Hospitalhttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/wonder-race-to-take-over-downtown-montreal-and-benefit-shriners-hospital/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/wonder-race-to-take-over-downtown-montreal-and-benefit-shriners-hospital/#respondSat, 01 Sep 2018 13:07:18 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=51286Wonder Race – The 4th edition of the Wonder Race will be taking place in downtown Montreal on Friday, September 7, 2018. It’s an exciting event benefitting Shriners Hospitals for Children® – Canada. Nearly 200 young professionals in 45 teams will race around downtown Montreal and strategically compete against one another in a unique race […]

]]>Wonder Race – The 4th edition of the Wonder Race will be taking place in downtown Montreal on Friday, September 7, 2018. It’s an exciting event benefitting Shriners Hospitals for Children® – Canada. Nearly 200 young professionals in 45 teams will race around downtown Montreal and strategically compete against one another in a unique race that will test and challenge their physical abilities, intellectual capacities and general common knowledge.

A clue will be given at the start of the race that will lead the team to their first destination. There, they will be required to complete the challenge that lies ahead as quickly as possible. Upon completion of the task, another clue will be given to direct them to their next location until they have completed all 10 challenges. The first team to successfully cross the finish line with all challenges completed correctly wins.

Jay Walker, past patient and TV personality will try the Wonder Race for the first time this year. “The surgery I had to fix my scoliosis (Scheuermann’s Disease) at Canada Shriners Hospital changed my life drastically,” he admitted. “In my mid-teens I could hardly make it through the day without lying and crying on the floor. My back was so hunched and crooked. I wondered if I’d ever be pain free again,” he explained.

Nearly 200 young professionals in 45 teams will be participating. The goal is to raise $75,000 for the hospital.

“At 17, they operated, and my life changed,” Jay continued. “The care I got at Canada Shriners Hospital was like nothing I’ve ever seen to this day. They helped me reach my full potential in life and I’ll always be grateful. I’m doing the Wonder Race because I’m a fan of the staff and what they do on a daily basis. I want to tell as many people about how they help children every day.”

“The event is a great mix of intellect, physical challenges and team work,” said Jacques Boissoneault, Administrator of Shriners Hospitals for Children – Canada. “We’re so pleased to have so many young professionals teaming-up, hoping to raise $75,000 for our hospital, which will help children and teens from across Canada and around the world who have orthopaedic and neuromuscular issues. I’m also proud that the staff has been so enthusiastic about participating: we’ve got four staff teams participating and 30 volunteering for the day.”

Day of the race, September 7, 2018:

Race ends around 6:00 m. followed by cocktails and the awards ceremony.

About Shriners Hospitals for Children – Canada

Established in Montreal in 1925, Shriners Hospitals for Children – Canada is the only Canadian establishment within the network of Shriners hospitals. This bilingual, short-term, acute care hospital provides ultra-specialized orthopaedic care to children from coast to coast in Canada, the U.S. and around the world. The mission of the hospital is to promote health and provide treatment and rehabilitation to infants, children and young adults with orthopaedic and neuromuscular problems such as scoliosis, osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease), club feet, hip dysplasia, leg length discrepancies and cerebral palsy.

The hospital is committed to excellence and innovation in clinical practice, research and education and to ensuring patients and their families are treated in a caring, family-friendly environment. Affiliated with McGill University, the hospital provides clinical experience and teaching for residents and allied professionals within its outstanding new facility on the Glen site. The hospital is present in communities across Canada, thanks to telemedicine, outreach clinics and satellite clinics.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/wonder-race-to-take-over-downtown-montreal-and-benefit-shriners-hospital/feed/0Mineral Oil? Yes or No?http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/health/mineral-oil-yes-or-no/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/health/mineral-oil-yes-or-no/#respondThu, 30 Aug 2018 18:52:48 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=51221Mineral Oil Definition: Noun: a distillation product of petroleum, especially one used as a lubricant, moisturizer, or laxative. The Debate: Is mineral oil safe for the skin? Finding the answer can be confusing. Some say yes. Some say no. We do our research and… We say NO. Mineral oil is petroleum based and offers no nutritious […]

]]>Mineral Oil Definition: Noun: a distillation product of petroleum, especially one used as a lubricant, moisturizer, or laxative.

The Debate: Is mineral oil safe for the skin?

Finding the answer can be confusing. Some say yes. Some say no. We do our research and…

We say NO.

Mineral oil is petroleum based and offers no nutritious benefits to the skin. It might be ‘considered’ safe but that is not a solid reason to use it. What does ‘safe’ truly mean and who decides? If the skin is a living organ it should be well fed. Petroleum is not a good food for the skin.

Back in 2003, Paula Begoun wrote a mammoth 1300 page book ‘Don’t Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without Me’. The book is a reference for companies and their product lines. Kudos for being well researched, extensive, informative. Yet, there are many things with which I disagree. For example, chemical sunscreen for babies and the use of mineral oil. I will concentrate on the later. Begoun is in favour of mineral oil. In her review she writes, “Mineral oil is an exceptional ingredient for dry skin and its demise in skin care products would be sad to see.” Begoun is referring to the fact that companies were starting to sell skin care as ‘mineral free’. People had begun questioning the use of petroleum on the skin. Others argued that many grandmothers swore by Vaseline and had no wrinkles. In her book, Begoun totes the positive properties of mineral oil and felt it a shame we might be swayed from using products with mineral oil.

I wonder if Begoun would still agree now, 15 years later, with updated information on mineral oil.

Mineral oils, like Vaseline pretty much sit on the skin, preventing moisture loss. Proponents of Vaseline interpret this as ‘Vaseline does not dry out the skin.” Seriously?

Since Begoun’s research, new studies have indicated that some mineral oils may actually contain toxins. The oil itself is not metabolized so the toxins remain. This oil has also been shown to clog the pores (earlier beliefs said it did not). In blocking the pores the skin’s natural respiration is affected. This can aggravate acne, pimples, blackheads. It is a known fact that there is nothing beneficial nutritionally in mineral oil on the skin.

Whether or not it is a carcinogen is still under study. Why take the risk? We have so many better choices today. Good heathy oils, from plant leaves, barks, nuts, flowers. When people ask us, “Has this product been dermatologically approved?” My response,” Not dermatologically tested, but tested yes. And extensively, over centuries.” I explain that it is not always in certain profession’s best interest to study natural products. Too costly. Mineral oil, for example, is cheap to produce, so why not market a product where the profit is good. It was our ancestors who weeded out any potentially poisonous ones for us, discouvered and devised the perfect solutions to cleanse, moisturize, protect and heal the skin. Yes, they have been tested over centuries. Not in a lab. But in and from nature itself. On us, successfully.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/health/mineral-oil-yes-or-no/feed/0Laughter is the best Medicine for stresshttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/laughter-is-the-best-medicine-for-stress/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/laughter-is-the-best-medicine-for-stress/#respondThu, 30 Aug 2018 18:43:14 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=51218Stress – Most of us have some experience with stress, anxiety, panic attack disorders, inflammation and pain whether suffering ourselves or experiencing it through a friend or family member. All of these health concerns are related to various diseases. In every disease one or more of the afflictions exist. If no obvious disease is diagnosed […]

]]>Stress – Most of us have some experience with stress, anxiety, panic attack disorders, inflammation and pain whether suffering ourselves or experiencing it through a friend or family member. All of these health concerns are related to various diseases. In every disease one or more of the afflictions exist. If no obvious disease is diagnosed at present, ongoing stress, anxiety, inflammation and pain will precipitate a health problem.

The chaos around us and fast paced living adds to the problem amplifying the reaction/disease response.

Looking for answers or suggestions to avoid illness or slow its progress by helping ourselves, I found the usual exercise and eating well to stay healthier studies. I think many of us are trying to follow some guidelines however there are confusing and conflicting claims out there making choices difficult….a topic for another week.

The one claim I found interesting was about the effects of Laughter. The positive side of exploring laughter is that it is not complicated! Laughter can help all disorders. It only has positive side effects and everyone can do it! Some may believe that they don’t have a sense of humour… No Problem! Humour can be learned. In fact, developing or refining your sense of humour may be easier than you think. Start with simple things like finding a few simple items, such as photos, greeting cards or comic strips that make you chuckle. Then hang them up at home or in your office. Keep funny movies and books on hand for when you need an added humour boost. Look online at joke websites. Laughing does you good. Laughter is a great form of stress relief, and that’s no joke.

A good sense of humour can’t cure all ailments, but there is evidence about the positive things laughter can do. A good laugh has great short-term effects. When you start to laugh, it doesn’t just lighten your load mentally, it actually induces physical changes in your body. (Mayo Clinic stress management)

Laughter isn’t just a quick pick-me-up, though. It’s also good for you over the long term. Laughter may improve your immune system. Negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that can affect your body by bringing more stress into your system and decreasing your immunity. In contrast, positive thoughts can help fight stress and potentially more-serious illnesses. It can relieve pain by causing the body to produce its own natural painkillers. Laughter can also make it easier to cope with difficult situations and improve your mood. Many people experience depression, sometimes due to chronic illnesses. Laughter can help lessen your depression and anxiety and may make you feel happier.

The laughter information I really enjoyed was about Laughter Yoga. In laughter yoga, people practice laughter as a group. Laughter is forced at first, but it can soon turn into spontaneous laughter. At first people feel shy and silly participating in this group laughter but it becomes catchy. I watched a few u-tubes about it and must admit that they made me chuckle. Go ahead and give it a try. Turn the corners of your mouth up into a smile and then give a laugh, even if it feels a little forced. Once you’ve had your chuckle, think about how you are feeling. Are your muscles a little less tense? Do you feel more relaxed? If so that’s the natural wonder of laughing at work.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/laughter-is-the-best-medicine-for-stress/feed/0Parkinson SuperWalk in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevuehttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/parkinson-superwalk-in-ste-anne-de-bellevue/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/parkinson-superwalk-in-ste-anne-de-bellevue/#respondMon, 27 Aug 2018 12:34:57 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=51024Parkinson Canada SuperWalk will take place on September 16th on John Abbott and MacDonald Campuses in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue at 12 pm. Two new routes are proposed, 1km or 4.5km, where one can stroll, walk or run. JEWEL 106.7 will be there for fun and support and walkers will have the chance to try Parkinson’s adapted boxing […]

]]>Parkinson Canada SuperWalk will take place on September 16th on John Abbott and MacDonald Campuses in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue at 12 pm. Two new routes are proposed, 1km or 4.5km, where one can stroll, walk or run. JEWEL 106.7 will be there for fun and support and walkers will have the chance to try Parkinson’s adapted boxing with a pro from Grant Brothers Boxing! Live performance by the West Island groups Sonic Spring and the Acapella Sounds Chorus will entertain participants along the walk.

Marissa Cressatti is an Everyday Hero taking part in Parkinson SuperWalk 2018. Walk with her starting at the Casgrain building of John Abbott College on September 16th.

Captain of the top SuperWalk 2017 team, Schipper Lab, Marisa Cressatti will be walking again this year. She is a young Parkinson researcher working on her PhD at McGill University and a regular volunteer at Parkinson Canada in Quebec. Marisa hopes to find better treatment strategies for patients through her research, and maybe even a cure.

“In the lab we work with test tubes and not with patients. Volunteering with Parkinson Canada gives me a chance to interact with the people I’m doing research for and SuperWalk gives me an opportunity to contribute to raising funds for research.” says Marisa. “It is fun and very rewarding,” she adds.
Parkinson’s affects over 100,000 Canadians, a number expected to double by 2030. Parkinson SuperWalk is a family outing with a special purpose. It is a great opportunity for people with Parkinson’s to meet others living with the disease, talk with their families, and begin to build a supportive network. Funds raised are invested in Quebec to provide services, education and advocacy for people affected by Parkinson’s and for research into improving treatments and finding a cure.

About Parkinson Canada and Parkinson SuperWalkParkinson Canada is the national voice of Canadians living with Parkinson’ disease. Since 1965 the group invests in research and provides education, advocacy and support services, including programs specific to the province of Quebec. Parkinson SuperWalk is the largest nationwide fundraising event for Parkinson Canada. Approximately 10,000 people in 70 cities organize and take part in this event. Since 1990, Superwalk has raised more than $38 million in support of the Parkinson community.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/parkinson-superwalk-in-ste-anne-de-bellevue/feed/0Mont Tremblant Wanderlust Festival starts todayhttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/health/mont-tremblant-wanderlust-festival-starts-today/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/health/mont-tremblant-wanderlust-festival-starts-today/#respondThu, 23 Aug 2018 18:57:16 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=50974 The Wanderlust Festival, producer of the most important yoga events in the world, returns to Tremblant today, Thursday August 23rd, until Sunday August 26th. In the heart of Tremblant Pedestrian Village, this four-day event has become, over the years, a retreat for yoga enthusiasts, amateurs of alternative music, healthy lifestyle and holistic gastronomy. Are […]

The Wanderlust Festival, producer of the most important yoga events in the world, returns to Tremblant today, Thursday August 23rd, until Sunday August 26th. In the heart of Tremblant Pedestrian Village, this four-day event has become, over the years, a retreat for yoga enthusiasts, amateurs of alternative music, healthy lifestyle and holistic gastronomy. Are you going to Find Your True North in Tremblant this weekend?

MUSIC – Live music performances can be expected every day of the Festival, including: Tank and the Bangas, Alice Phoebe Lou, Lakes of Canada, Beautiful Chorus, October’s Child, Tavana, Sweet Crude, The Bergamot. One of the highlights of Wanderlust is the silent disco party, where DJ Seriousblack, Jesse Blake and others will be performing.

MEDITATION – Numerous meditation sessions led by renowned experts such as Insiya Rasiwala-Finn, Janick Leonard, Nigel Walker, Susan Agrios, Martier Sound Meditation will be performed throughout this 4-day wellness retreat.

Interested in participating? Know that it is possible to buy a day pass toWanderlust Tremblantif you only wish to attend few workshops. Attendees can build their own schedule by choosing between all the different activities offered every day. As an example, it is possible to start the day with a yoga session at the bottom of the mountain followed by a hike in the forest before a SUP class on Tremblant Lake or a meditation session.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/health/mont-tremblant-wanderlust-festival-starts-today/feed/0Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue sign contract with Mtl SPCA Trap-neuter-release programhttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/ste-anne-de-bellevue-sign-contract-with-mtl-spca-trap-neuter-release-program/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/ste-anne-de-bellevue-sign-contract-with-mtl-spca-trap-neuter-release-program/#respondThu, 23 Aug 2018 18:10:22 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=50978Trap-neuter-release program – I am so happy to tell you that Ste-Anne’s has now signed a contract with the SPCA for the “TNR” program, (trap, neuter, release) this is not a “Trap and Kill” program, totally the opposite. The main purpose of this project is to stop the reproduction of the ferols and ultimately give […]

]]>Trap-neuter-release program – I am so happy to tell you that Ste-Anne’s has now signed a contract with the SPCA for the “TNR” program, (trap, neuter, release) this is not a “Trap and Kill” program, totally the opposite. The main purpose of this project is to stop the reproduction of the ferols and ultimately give them a better quality of life.

The animals, with the help of the community, are trapped early in the morning, 6:00 am and are transported to the spca, and will either be neutered or spayed. They will also receive a basic shot and will be dewormed. BIG relief for these animals. They will also come back with a “V” snipped out of the tip of one ear, this is totally painless to the animal, and it is to help us recognize the ones that have gone through the program. They will get a shot of pain medication, because they are being released the same day, this will help get them through a little discomfort . The animals that are sick, the veterinarian will make the decision on whether they will come back or not. The cat or cats will be returned late afternoon. The males, since the weather is warm, and do not have an open incision, will not have to be fostered. However, the females that are spayed will need time to heal, as their stomachs are shaved, we do not want infection, so they need to stay in for approx 4 or 5 days. This is a monitoring time, just to make sure they are on the right track and are eating well.

I, however do ask the people who are feeding the ferols where we trapped them, to please just keep an eye on them when they come for food. They should be fine, but if you notice anything out of the ordinary, you can get in touch with me, and I will come and make sure the animal isn’t in any kind of distress. Now that the cats have been dewormed, if you could continue to feed them, this will give them an opportunity to put a little fat on them before the winter. No parasites means healthier animal. They won’t need to hunt for food if we all continue to feed them.

Jade Marcoux, Customer Service Director, Montreal SPCA, and one of my go to people there, states, “TNR and Abandonment” are unfortunately linked together, and those cats left behind,are part of the over population of outdoor cats. They often reproduce and end up in a very bad situation as they are not outdoor savvy or at least not as much as ferol cats. We are in urgent need of cities and municipalities involvement to help prevent abandonment, and support the different citizens in their needs for resources to keep their pets at home. i.e. sterilization costs, health costs, etc.

I myself am reaching out to John Abbott College and McGill, to help educate the out of town students, and students who are now renting apartments in Ste-Anne’s, to please, not get kittens when they move in. I totally understand where the student’s are coming from, first apartment, out on their own, let’s get a pet, I’m not far from the truth. However, do they see down the road when they graduate. I am assuming that a lot, think, cats are resilient and can just go out and catch dinner anytime they want. Well, to some extent that is true, but on the other hand, these animals have been cared for since they were adopted, thinking they were in a forever home. They have had food and water on a regular basis, they have had love by the person who, down the road will leave them alone, and scared on the streets of Ste-Anne’s. They will be beaten by the ferols who have already claimed territory. Tell me, where doe’s the resilience come into play. I would also like to remind anyone who is going to dump their animals, it is a Criminal Offense , and there are laws that are in place to protect them.

The animals that have gone through this program are doing really quite well. St.Jean Baptiste and corner of St. Thomas streets which had at least 12 ferols ,two of the females were spayed, one was actually adopted, she was actually friendly enough to re-adapt to domestic. The other female would have nothing to do with rehabilitation, but she lives where she grew up and is looking quite healthy. These females alone produced many, many, kittens. Of course a lot didn’t survive, but the ones that did, went on to reproduce. Now the only cats you’ll see on the corner of St.Thomas, are the males that were neutered and of course people’s pets. These animals have shelters and are fed everyday. They can live there lives without fighting, injury, infections, and disease. The males stop spraying for territory, which really pleases a lot of people who are trying to grow nice flower gardens. So all in all everyone is happy. I would like to thank the town council of Ste-Anne’s, and especially Chief of Security Mr.Alain Dupuis, who with his kind heart and generosity made this project possible.

Lastly, we really need the people of Ste-Anne’s to tell us if they are feeding ferols and where they are located. The ones we have already trapped are ones that we knew about, now we need help to find others because without help, these animals will still go through a horrible winter if they don’t get help. We also need volunteers to help transport the cats to the spca , we have only one driver as to date and we sure could use the help in that area. It would only be once or twice a week as it stands right now. We will only be trapping until November, so the more we can get in before than, the better. Please COLLAR your cats, we do not want to go through taking your cat down to the spca, just to find out it is a domestic. You can help us by identify yours. Also, we certainly could use donations of food, wet and dry, and we need shelters for these animals. I remember last winter, December was brutal, and most of these cats had no warm place to go. It takes a lot of energy for these cats to keep warm and without food and shelter it’s all most impossible to make it. Thank you for your help.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/ste-anne-de-bellevue-sign-contract-with-mtl-spca-trap-neuter-release-program/feed/0A cycling and hiking event to fight ALS this weekendhttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/a-cycling-and-hiking-event-to-fight-als-this-weekend/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/a-cycling-and-hiking-event-to-fight-als-this-weekend/#respondWed, 22 Aug 2018 15:23:40 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=50939Fight ALS – From August 24th to 26th, 200 cyclists and volunteers will be joining the Ride to Fight ALS powered by TELUS Health in support of the Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) Society of Quebec. Participants of all ages and backgrounds will travel the roads of the Eastern Township from one to three days, riding […]

]]>Fight ALS – From August 24th to 26th, 200 cyclists and volunteers will be joining the Ride to Fight ALS powered by TELUS Health in support of the Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS)Society of Quebec.Participants of all ages and backgrounds will travel the roads of the Eastern Township from one to three days, riding 70 to 120km per day in support of families touched by ALS and research. On Saturday, August 25th, a Hike to Fight ALS will also take place on the trails of the Mount-Orford National Park in support of the organization.

A few facts about the Ride and Hike to Fight ALS

The 11th edition of the Ride to Fight ALS will take place August 24-26 at l’Espace 4 saisons;

The very first edition of the Hike to Fight ALS will be hosted at Mont-Orford National Park on Saturday, August 25.

Saturday, August 25th will end on a festive note with a BBQ at the base of the Station de ski Mount Orford where cyclists, hikers and anyone willing to join the party is invited;

250 cyclists of all backgrounds, walkers and volunteers are expected;

The Ride to fight ALS includes three options: a one, two and three-day cycling challenges.

These events raise awareness for ALS and raise funds to support research and offer technical, psychological and financial help to people living with ALS across the province and their loved ones;

Since 2008, the Ride to Fight ALS has been the Society’s flagship event, with cyclists of all backgrounds participating and raising over $2 million during this past decade.

Starting line:

When:Friday, August 24th 2018 at 9am, cyclists leave at 9 :30am

Where:Espace 4 saisons, 4940 Chemin du Parc, Orford, QC J1X 7N9

James Benoit

James Benoit story: The coach of the Sherbrooke Bulldogs and former coach of the Vert et Or has been diagnosed with ALS three years ago. James Benoit takes part in various clinical trials and is nowhere near having given up hope; he still exhibits all the qualities that make him an exemplary player on the ALS Team. “In the face of the disease, I persevere and I try to keep my legendary positive attitude and to continue embracing life. I still take part in activities and events with my family and friends to build unforgettable memories every week.” That is the approach that the 47-year-old man brings to his role as an ambassador by, among other things, raising funds for the Society and by sharing, with his network, news and events organized by the Society. [+] Read James Benoit’s story

About the ALS Society of Quebec

The ALS Society of Quebec is a non-profit community organization that provides programs and services to families touched by ALS during all stages of the disease. Promoting, subsidizing, and advancing research on the causes, treatment, and cure of ALS are also integral parts of the Society’s mission, which survives on donations and proceeds from various fundraising events.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/a-cycling-and-hiking-event-to-fight-als-this-weekend/feed/0Lyme disease on the rise in Canadahttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/health/lyme-disease-on-the-rise-in-canada/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/health/lyme-disease-on-the-rise-in-canada/#respondTue, 14 Aug 2018 20:50:13 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=50716Lyme disease – We are hearing so much about Lyme disease now that I thought I should get a better look at what’s happening. The number of cases of Lyme disease in Canada has increased ten times in less than 10 years thanks to tick bites and ticks moving north. As Reid Fiest reports, it […]

]]>Lyme disease – We are hearing so much about Lyme disease now that I thought I should get a better look at what’s happening. The number of cases of Lyme disease in Canada has increased ten times in less than 10 years thanks to tick bites and ticks moving north. As Reid Fiest reports, it no longer matters where you live in the country, ticks have no boundaries. There are more ticks in more parts of Canada now. Experts believe that this could lead to more cases of Lyme Disease.

“What we’re seeing is definitely a range expansion. This is not a problem that’s getting smaller, it’s tending to get larger in terms of the range of the tick,” said Robbin Lindsay, a research scientist with the Public Health Agency of Canada who specializes in ticks.

Around 20 per cent of blacklegged ticks carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Don’t think that if you are bitten you have the disease. Researchers are studying where these Lyme carrying ticks are so you should remove the tick and place it in a small sealed container. Keep it in the fridge in case symptoms appear at which time you should see your doctor and bring the tick to have it checked for Lyme disease. Note the location of the bite and the date of removal on the container.

To remove the tick (this part is gross but I would not have known how to do this if not told). These ticks are small….about the size of a sesame seed and young ones are the size of a poppy seed. Check your body after outdoor activities

Grasp the tick’s head as close to your skin as possible.

Slowly pull it straight out.

If parts of the tick’s mouth break off and remain in your skin, remove them with the tweezers.

If you can’t remove the mouthparts, leave them alone, and let your skin heal. Clean the skin well with soap and water and wash hands thoroughly.

Call 811 for advice about whether or not to see a doctor right away.

Lyme disease symptoms usually appear between 3 and 30 days after the bite of an infected tick.

The most common symptom is reddening of the skin. This symptom is visible in 70% to 80% of infection cases. The rash spreads rapidly day by day, extending over 5 centimeters, and can be shaped like a ring or a target. Other symptoms may accompany this redness: fever, fatigue, headache, neck stiffness, muscle and joint pain.

There were 1,479 cases across Canada in 2017, a “significant national increase” of nearly 50 per cent since the year before. Although in the 1990s, ticks were only found on a tiny peninsula in Ontario, blacklegged ticks have since expanded their reach across most provinces. More ticks means more bites and therefore more Lyme Disease diagnosis.

The best way to prevent tick-borne disease is to not get bitten. When you are in a wooded area that might have ticks, stay in the middle of the trail. The bugs can’t jump onto you, they only grab on if you brush against them.

Wear long sleeves, light coloured clothing with everything tucked in. You should also wear a bug repellant containing DEET.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/health/lyme-disease-on-the-rise-in-canada/feed/0August 13th is Left handed Dayhttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/august-13th-is-left-handed-day/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/august-13th-is-left-handed-day/#respondTue, 07 Aug 2018 14:32:35 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=50441Left handed Day – What do Bill Clinton, Jay Leno, Monica Seles, Bruce Willis, Jerry Seinfeld, Paul McCartney, Prince Charles, Keanu Reeves and Oprah Winfrey have in common? If you answer “they are all left-handed,” you are right! August 13th is Left Handers Day. Full disclosure. I am left handed. In LEFT IS RIGHT: The […]

In LEFT IS RIGHT: The Survival Guide for Living Lefty in a Right-Handed World, author Rae Lindsay presents an upbeat look at the sinisterly side of life. She lists dozens of well-known people who belong to this “exclusive club” (estimated members in the United States: 40 million), discusses the theories about hand preference and brain organization, and traces the superstitions and religious customs associated with lefties through history.

Rae Lindsay writes that “all the world’s major languages have special terms for being left-sided or left-handed…and very few of them are flattering,” dating back to the Latin word sinister, which really meant “the pocket side” of togas. In modern languages gauche means “clumsy” or “awkward,” mancini indicates “crooked” or “maimed “in Italian; in Romany bongo translates as “evil” or “crooked;” and in Spanish, no ser zurdo means to be “very clever,” in other words, not to be left-handed. Bizarre information is that some people are afraid of left handedness.

What causes someone to become a southpaw? Scientists aren’t exactly sure, but research points to a complex collaboration between genes and environment. While no exact set of “leftie genes” have been discovered, people who dominantly use their left hands do have more left-handed family members. Researchers have found different brain wirings in righties vs. lefties. Why exactly people are left-handed is still a bit of a mystery — partly because left-handed people are often excluded from scientific research, experts say —There’s no denying it. Left-handers are the odd ones out.

Lefties make up about 10 percent of the population but it seems as if society has forgotten about them. Just consider all of the right-handed gadgets, awkwardly designed desks, and cooking tools that fit comfortably only in your right hand.

Lefties are more likely to have allergies and are more prone to Migraines. They are more likely to be insomniacs and are three times more likely to become alcoholics – the right side of the brain has a lower tolerance to alcohol!Sd7DSNu5eBI

On the brighter side, lefties seem more adept at processing information and concepts from the right side of the brain, the hemisphere which controls intuitions, the five senses, and “holistic thinking” which allows them to grasp broader concepts, such as an entire painting or musical composition. They are more likely to be on extreme poles of the intelligence scale Lefties are better at 3D perception and thinking and better at multi-tasking. .

We certainly shouldn’t worry about lefties chances of success: here’s a list of left handed presidents. James A. Garfield, Herbert Hoover, Harry S Truman, Gerald Ford, Roald Regan, George H W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. Lefties make especially good baseball players, tennis players, swimmers and boxers. Almost 40% of the top tennis players are lefties. Graduating lefties are likely to become 26% richer than right handed graduates. Four of the five original designers of the Macintosh computer were left-handed. One in four Apollo astronauts were left-handed – 250% more than the normal level.

It seems the percentages have remained consistent over the years dating back to Neanderthal days so I guess we are here to stay…

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/august-13th-is-left-handed-day/feed/0Meditation and its effectshttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/health/meditation-and-its-effects/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/health/meditation-and-its-effects/#respondThu, 02 Aug 2018 13:45:45 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=50254Meditation – We all know that we are constantly dealing with change, fast paced changes. Given the pace of the modern world, we are constantly being assaulted by stresses and worries as we are asked to move faster and produce more. Stress is everywhere and what can we do about it? Nothing! It is here […]

]]>Meditation – We all know that we are constantly dealing with change, fast paced changes. Given the pace of the modern world, we are constantly being assaulted by stresses and worries as we are asked to move faster and produce more. Stress is everywhere and what can we do about it? Nothing! It is here to stay! What we can do is learn how to manage it. Why is it that several people can be dealing with similar stressors and yet some cope well with them and others become ill?

As I look for different coping strategies the one that is interesting to me is Meditation. It is something that is easy to learn and studies for years have shown the positive effects of using this tool for coping with all life events. Chaos demands our attention. It’s like a badly behaved child, looking for our attention. Chaos will do everything in its power to keep your stress level high. With meditation, you can use the quietness of your mind to surround and subdue chaos. Let it go somewhere else. Meditative study on a regular basis can help us to learn to face the world more calmly.

Meditation is the practice of turning your attention to a single point of reference. It can involve focusing on the breath, on bodily sensations, or on a word or phrase known as a mantra. Meditation means turning your attention away from distracting thoughts and focusing on the present moment. Whether you focus on your breathing or muscle relaxation or a word or phrase the results will be the same.

“I’ve been living closer to the truth for a few months now. Over time, my daily meditations helped me regard what was happening in any moment with curiosity and kindness, without the mindless chatter and instant evaluation that used to whip me into a frenzy.”

While the mental states that are achieved in Meditation have traditionally been understood from a religious or metaphysical perspective, research tracks the actual changes in the brain. Researchers from the University of Wisconsin have worked with Tibetan monks to show that learned meditation experiences, cause intense activity in the prefrontal cortex of the brain. Longtime practitioners of meditation show increased energy in that area, which is not present in beginners. This shows that it is possible to train the brain through routine practice of meditation, to truly reach different emotional and mental states. Scientists used to believe that the brain did not change in structure at all after birth, but these studies show that this is not the case.

The area of the brain that feels the greatest effects of meditation is one that’s associated with happiness and positive feelings. If research demonstrates these positive effects maybe the use of Meditation can be more accepted as a means to improve our health. Centuries of anecdotal evidence that say meditation helps relax us, release pent up stress, and makes us feel more at peace can now be substantiated by research for all of the non-believers out there.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/health/meditation-and-its-effects/feed/0Glorious Garlands of Garlichttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/food/glorious-garlands-of-garlic/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/food/glorious-garlands-of-garlic/#respondThu, 02 Aug 2018 12:25:30 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=50250Garlands of Garlic – In all parts of the world there are legends of garlic being used to ward off evil spirits and these beliefs may stem from this plant’s medicinal history as potent defender against more serious threats such as harmful bacteria or viruses. For many today, garlic is still an old standby when […]

]]>Garlands of Garlic – In all parts of the world there are legends of garlic being used to ward off evil spirits and these beliefs may stem from this plant’s medicinal history as potent defender against more serious threats such as harmful bacteria or viruses. For many today, garlic is still an old standby when flu season hits; crushed garlic cloves and ginger added to boiling water will get a sweat going and the garlic may help to boost your immune system. Fortunately, in those winter months, local garlic can still be found in markets and specialty food stores. By spring, Quebec garlic has mostly vanished from the city and unless we’ve rationed well we must wait until August for the new arrivals.

Those loyal to local foods will follow garlic development throughout the late spring and summer. In June, the garlic scapes appear; these are the greens and flower bulb from the garlic plant and they taste great in pastas, salads, and dips. In July, we see the arrival of green garlic which tastes like regular garlic but without the spiciness. When mature garlic is harvested in mid-summer, it needs to be cured so that the outer layers harden to protect the oils and moisture inside the bulb. August is when we finally begin to see those beautiful braids hanging from stalls at the markets.

The summer months are a great time to eat garlic- the pungent flavour that was meant to keep insects away from the plant is known to be a good deterrent for mosquitos. But there are also many other reasons to eat it all year long- garlic is known to decrease the risk of certain types of cancers and is known to lower both blood pressure and cholesterol. But health benefits aside, the reason many of us eat this bulb is that we absolutely love the strong flavour.

It was once believed that garlands of garlic worn around the neck would protect us from blood-sucking vampires. Vampires are not seen as much of a threat these days, but do go and buy those beautiful garlands of garlic and hang them in your kitchen so that you are well-stocked with a medicinal and culinary powerhouse!

This garlicy Peri Peri sauce tastes great on chicken or meats. Use it as a marinade and as a sauce to slather onto your favourite barbecued foods.

Natalie Lavers is a health and wellness consultant in Montreal. She offers advice on using food and stress reduction techniques to support proper digestion and optimal health. Find out more about her and get more recipes at www.lavienourrie.com.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/food/glorious-garlands-of-garlic/feed/0Roadside cannabis saliva-test devices coming soonhttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/roadside-cannabis-saliva-test-devices-coming-soon/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/roadside-cannabis-saliva-test-devices-coming-soon/#respondTue, 31 Jul 2018 20:32:51 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=50229Roadside cannabis saliva-test devices – With the inevitable legalization of cannabis set for October 17th this year, the Federal government is expected to be ready with the controversial roadside saliva-testing devices. The devices were first ratified with Bill C-46 and now approved by Attorney General Jody Wilson-Raybould – who was waiting for the recommendation from […]

]]>Roadside cannabis saliva-test devices – With the inevitable legalization of cannabis set for October 17th this year, the Federal government is expected to be ready with the controversial roadside saliva-testing devices. The devices were first ratified with Bill C-46 and now approved by Attorney General Jody Wilson-Raybould – who was waiting for the recommendation from an independent committee that included traffic safety experts and toxicologists.

Draeger DrugTest 5000 Kit

The model that has been approved is made by a company based in Lubeck, Germany and called the ‘Draeger Drug Test 5000’. Drager, a leading international company in the fields of medical and safety technology since 1889, created the device which they describe as ‘an easy to use mobile drug screening system that uses oral fluid to test for seven types of the most commonly abused drugs. This quick drug test provides a non-invasive alternative to the hassle of collecting urine or blood samples – and it is for law enforcement use only.’

RCMP and police officers will have the authority to test for the presence of THC, the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis, by swabbing a driver’s mouth. And the device will also be able to detect substances such as opiates, cocaine, cannabinoids, amphetamines as well as designer drugs in oral fluid samples or samples from surfaces. It has already been approved in other countries, including the United Kingdom and Germany.

Police will first need grounds to pull a driver over, which they suspect has taken drugs within the last six hours to demand the test – and if they fail, police will have the right to bring them in for further testing that will include a blood test and/or an examination by an expert in the field of drug recognition.

The Federal government is allocating $81 million over a five year period to be used by the provinces and territories to purchase the Draeger devices and also to have more officers trained to properly recognize a driver who is driving under the influence of drugs.

The official government order for the devices is under a 30-day notice period before they can actually be purchased and then made available to the provinces and territories based on their needs.

Bottom line, don’t drive under the influence of drugs, or alcohol for that matter – it kills.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/roadside-cannabis-saliva-test-devices-coming-soon/feed/0It is estimated that one in three Canadians will have a mental health problem at some point in their lifehttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/it-is-estimated-that-one-in-three-canadians-will-have-a-mental-health-problem-at-some-point-in-their-life/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/it-is-estimated-that-one-in-three-canadians-will-have-a-mental-health-problem-at-some-point-in-their-life/#respondThu, 26 Jul 2018 13:32:35 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=50153Mental health problem – It is estimated that one in three Canadians will have a mental health problem at some point in their life. Many Canadians do not realize the impact that poor mental health has on families, communities, health systems and the economy. Mental health is as important as physical health to a person’s […]

]]>Mental health problem – It is estimated that one in three Canadians will have a mental health problem at some point in their life. Many Canadians do not realize the impact that poor mental health has on families, communities, health systems and the economy.

Mental health is as important as physical health to a person’s well-being, but understanding and awareness of mental illness is lagging far behind other health conditions such as cancer, diabetes or heart disease. In part, this is because the information available about mental health is fragmented but mostly it is because people do not want to talk about mental illness.

Mental Health Finance

According to survey data in 2010, close to one in five people have diagnosed mental disorders, both in Québec and in Canada. Anxiety disorders, (10%) depression (5%) and schizophrenia (1%) (ISQ, 2010).

An analysis of a 2002 population survey demonstrated that in Québec, as elsewhere in Canada, most people who have mental disorders do not consult health professionals. Given the lack of good information about mental illness and the unwillingness to talk about it, how can we begin to deal with this disease? How can we even begin to know the scope of the disease if so many do not seek help? Those who do get diagnosed with mental illness often do not follow the medical plan. They don’t believe it, they are angry about it and they resist any help or interference with their lives.

What we are hearing in the news these days is shocking and very scary. We deal with some families in our home care business that are struggling to cope with family members who have a mental illness. There is not much help out there and people are grasping trying to do what they can without the expertise to do so. Mental illness falls between the cracks when it comes to treating and paying for help. We have to do something about this!

Mental illness afflicts some 6.7 million Canadians — roughly 20 per cent of the population — and costs the economy an estimated $51 billion each year. If our government does not see the need for a commitment to improving the care for those with mental illness because of the human catastrophes maybe they should be motivated by the economic impacts. I cringe to even write this. Where are our Canadian values?

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/it-is-estimated-that-one-in-three-canadians-will-have-a-mental-health-problem-at-some-point-in-their-life/feed/0Watermelon in the New Millenniumhttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/food/watermelon-in-the-new-millennium/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/food/watermelon-in-the-new-millennium/#respondFri, 20 Jul 2018 13:24:52 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=49982Watermelon – There was a time when people would pay steep prices for a taste of melon. Around the turn of the century, the Montreal Melon is said to have been sold in New York City for $1 per slice, what would now be the equivalent of about $24 today. Considered one of the top […]

]]>Watermelon – There was a time when people would pay steep prices for a taste of melon. Around the turn of the century, the Montreal Melon is said to have been sold in New York City for $1 per slice, what would now be the equivalent of about $24 today. Considered one of the top delicacies of the world at its time, this melon was a whopping 20 pounds and was valued for its texture and special nutmeg flavour. The heyday of the Montreal melon, however, was short lived, the farms were bought by developers and the sensitive melon was not robust enough to be grown on industrial farms. Modern technology has vastly improved the availability of melons and this is a good thing since what has remained the same is a hunger and thirst for these juicy and healthy fruits.

The watermelon was once enjoyed only in summer months and many of us can remember a time when eating it involved some oral agility- sucking the flesh of the melon while allowing the seeds to stay in the mouth was a skill that we were all motivated to learn quickly. But seed spitting competitions may soon be a thing of the past since seedless varieties are now the norm. Once viewed as a nutritionally devoid sweet treat, watermelons are now understood to be an excellent source of health-promoting phytonutrients. Lycopene, an antioxidant found in the red pigment of the watermelon is believed to have an anti-inflammatory effect in the body and is linked with heart health, bone health and cancer prevention.

For many years, cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon were about the only melons that were available. Now, many stores and local farmers are selling heirloom varieties, each with their own unique and subtle flavour notes. Increasingly, we see the yellow melon with its mellow honeyed flavour, the intensely sweet sugar baby melon and cantaloupe-like hami melon with its sweet and crisp flesh. Even the Montreal melon has been revived but interest in this melon ebbs and flows and many farmers have given up on growing this delicate crop. Local melons always taste best, so summer is the time to enjoy this hydrating and nutritious treat.

When I first heard of putting watermelon in gazpacho, I was reluctant but then delighted after tasting it; the melon adds a subtle sweetness to the soup that balances out the flavours.

Watermelon Gazpacho

Serves 4 appetizer-size bowls

3 medium tomatoes

1 small red onion

½ English cucumber

1 cup of watermelon

1 small clove of garlic

2 tbsp. red wine vinegar

½ tsp of green Tabasco Sauce or 1/2 chilli pepper

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp pepper

Juice of ½ lime

Fresh oregano (for garnishing)

Olive oil

Directions: Throw all ingredients in a blender and on a low setting, blend until you have an even consistency. Chill and serve garnished with oregano a drizzle of olive oil on each bowl.

Natalie Lavers is a health and wellness consultant in Montreal. She offers advice on using food and stress reduction techniques to support proper digestion and optimal health. Find out more about her and get more recipes at www.lavienourrie.com.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/food/watermelon-in-the-new-millennium/feed/0When will you retire?http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/when-will-you-retire/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/when-will-you-retire/#respondFri, 20 Jul 2018 12:13:08 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=49979Retire – Statistics Canada says by 2030, the year in which the youngest baby boomers will reach 65, close to one in four people in Canada will be that age or older. That compares to 15.3 per cent in 2013. Data released by the Conference Board of Canada projects that the exodus of retirees from the […]

]]>Retire – Statistics Canada says by 2030, the year in which the youngest baby boomers will reach 65, close to one in four people in Canada will be that age or older. That compares to 15.3 per cent in 2013. Data released by the Conference Board of Canada projects that the exodus of retirees from the workforce will slow Canada’s economic growth to an annualized rate of 1.7 per cent in the years between 2019 and 2021. Compare this to a rate averaging 2.8 per cent between 2000 and 2008.

Is retirement becoming a dirty word? Lots of people are choosing to work past 65 years old. This is by choice for now. Will governments start to change the age to receive benefits? As the biggest demographic wave in Canada’s history reaches retirement age, the province of Nova Scotia believes it knows how to weather the economic storm: encourage baby boomers to work longer.

Right now in Nova Scotia, 19 per cent of the population is over 65. By 2040 that will grow to 30 per cent. Nova Scotia and New Brunswick have the oldest populations in the country. The government is keen to convince even more seniors that there’s no need to head off to a life of leisure when you can stay employed and collect a paycheque.

Really? We can have the privilege to continue to work! I have a better idea. Why don’t we stay healthy and active and find new and interesting things to do? Why don’t we explore options such as living in retirement villages? Not retirement residences but actual villages geared toward active lifestyles for older people. There are lots of these being developed around the world but none that I can find in Quebec.

Here’s an example… the “Wellings of Picton.” All of the Wellings locations are specifically chosen for the mature adult who wishes to embrace an active lifestyle in communities across Ontario. They provide an environment where community members pursue their own passions, with the option to opt-in to the services they need.

Time Magazine, Maclean’s Magazine, and Conde Nast have all raved about The County and its celebration of tradition. Coined the “jewel” of Southern Ontario, Prince Edward County has something for everyone—from food and wine lovers to culture seekers, history buffs, antique collectors, photographers, boaters, and everything in between, the County is the perfect place to live.

The cuisine is inspired by local produce, and there are over 40 vineyards in the region along with a growing number of craft breweries and spirit distilleries for you to explore. Your family will be begging to visit!

The County’s arts scene is also thriving, with plenty of galleries and local artists making the region a beautiful and unique place to visit. The rural culture is a perfect way to enjoy your retirement lifestyle. Get out of the city and enjoy a new way of life. There’s lots of action to keep you and your visiting family busy.

We need villages like this in Quebec. There is a project that I am involved with exploring such developments. We have beautiful regions all over Quebec where such a lifestyle could become a reality. Don’t isolate our seniors in retirement homes. Create villages where everything is possible for our ageing population. Cheers.

]]>The perfect Chai Latte – Enjoy the perfect Chai Latte with the Caffitaly frother. Here is a simple, delicious recipe from Gabriel Svaldi, owner of Bristol Chai in Montreal. · Froth 150 to 200 ml of your favourite milk along with 15 ml of maple syrup in the frother. · Add the froth to an Arthur or Clark chai latte, whichever you prefer. In just a few seconds, you will have a relaxing, creamy and sweet maple chai tea.

Bristal Chai by Clark Teas

With its non-stick, stainless steel tank and new dual-speed magnetic whisk system, the Caffitaly frother is essential when preparing all of your favourite beverages. Available in three colours: chrome, black and white. Price: $89.99 for the black and white models and $99.99 for the chrome finish. For more information click on Caffitaly and Clark teas:

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/how-to-make-the-perfect-chai-latte/feed/0Wellness immersion Hotel Quintessence with JUNA Yoga team up for a one day packagehttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/health/wellness-immersion-hotel-quintessence-with-juna-yoga-team-up-for-a-one-day-package/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/health/wellness-immersion-hotel-quintessence-with-juna-yoga-team-up-for-a-one-day-package/#respondThu, 12 Jul 2018 21:33:27 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=49706Wellness immersion Hotel Quintessence with JUNA Yoga team up – A wellness retreat for women: SUP Yoga, visit of a biological farm, healthy cooking workshop and fitness hike in the woods. Discover the amazing benefits of practicing yoga on a paddle board and enjoy the soothing feeling of being lulled on one of the most […]

]]>Wellness immersion Hotel Quintessence with JUNA Yoga team up – A wellness retreat for women: SUP Yoga, visit of a biological farm, healthy cooking workshop and fitness hike in the woods.

Discover the amazing benefits of practicing yoga on a paddle board and enjoy the soothing feeling of being lulled on one of the most magnificent lakes nestled within the Laurentian Mountains for a Wellness immersion Hotel Quintessence with JUNA Yoga team up.

Then, boost your batteries with a Q-signature healthy smoothie before heading out to the “Ferme aux Petits Oignons” in Brebeuf.

Visit of the farm: Learn more about the benefits of biological and regional agriculture. Participate in a small vegetable picking before coming back to the hotel to create a delicious healthy Poke Bowl with the Restaurant La Quintessence, chef Sylvio Alonso. Enjoy your fresh meal outside on our terrace.

In the afternoon, stay active with a walk in the forest and a nature meditation to find your inner peace.

-Double occupancy rate available and possibilities to book different activities with our concierge team (golf, ziptrek, water-skiing). Canoe on site at the hotel at no extra cost.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW: Offer cannot be combined with any other offer(s). A minimum of 5 participants is required. Certain conditions may apply. Plus taxes.

Reservation by phone only, with Sabrina Lévesque-Lebrun at 819-425-8551 ext. 5334 -Double occupancy rate available and possibilities to book different activities with our concierge team (golf, ziptrek, water-skiing). Canoe on site at the hotel at no extra cost.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/health/wellness-immersion-hotel-quintessence-with-juna-yoga-team-up-for-a-one-day-package/feed/0Did you ever wonder why you sing in the shower?http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/health/did-you-ever-wonder-why-you-sing-in-the-shower/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/health/did-you-ever-wonder-why-you-sing-in-the-shower/#respondThu, 12 Jul 2018 17:01:45 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=49696Why you sing in the shower – Could be a shower, or a waterfall. Similar concept. Here’s why you sing in the shower. It is comforting to step into a relatively secure, comfy space and be able to shut out the world. Naked and safely enclosed in the bathroom, alone, unencumbered. The perfect setting to burst into song. The warm shower […]

]]>Why you sing in the shower – Could be a shower, or a waterfall. Similar concept. Here’s why you sing in the shower. It is comforting to step into a relatively secure, comfy space and be able to shut out the world.

Naked and safely enclosed in the bathroom, alone, unencumbered. The perfect setting to burst into song. The warm shower water has a rhythm of its own. It feels wonderfully relaxing as it cleanses the stresses away. It makes you feel good and singing makes you feel even better. No one is there to judge your voice, criticize your song choice or make you feel self- conscious. It is a comfort zone unlike no other. When you relax your brain releases dopamine. This released chemical in turn triggers the creative juices, so belting out a song gives instant pleasure. Problems and stresses flee the body.

Surrounded by bathroom tiles which do not absorb the sounds, your voice can bounce back and forth before fading away, creating the perfect sound system. The small space gives the voice a boost, adding the bass and power. Your imagination soars: You may be lead singer in a rock band, or driving a convertible on a winding ocean highway, or perhaps you are Julie Andrews dancing on mountaintop singing The Hills are Alive in the Sound of Music. Whatever your fantasy, it can become reality in the shower.

Singing while charcoal soaping is a given. Follow up with the apple cider vinegar rinse and you have a perfect Supremes trio. The Charcoal Clay Soap has the power of a worry stone, absorbing tensions and cleansing at the same time. Black, smooth, tactile, sensual. Head to toe. The hair is left silky, shiny, healthy. The scalp and skin are detoxified and nourished. No chemicals. Our soap: charcoal, clay, and tulsi (Holy basil) accompanied by castor oil and organic coconut. Harmony.
The Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse is the finale. Nourishing on the skin, designed for the hair and scalp, it restores the PH, disinfects and keeps the hair and skin in pristine condition. Containing parsley, rosemary and sage: Simon and Garfunkel would be proud of your choice.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/health/did-you-ever-wonder-why-you-sing-in-the-shower/feed/0What does it take to improve Quebec Health care like other provinceshttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/what-does-it-take-to-improve-quebec-health-care-like-other-provinces/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/what-does-it-take-to-improve-quebec-health-care-like-other-provinces/#respondThu, 12 Jul 2018 05:41:20 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=49661Improve Quebec Health care – Last week I was on about the need for health care changes in Quebec. Every time I look for information on health care in Quebec I find that we don’t do very well compared to other provinces. What does it take to improve Quebec Health care like other provinces? Other provinces […]

]]>Improve Quebec Health care – Last week I was on about the need for health care changes in Quebec. Every time I look for information on health care in Quebec I find that we don’t do very well compared to other provinces. What does it take to improve Quebec Health care like other provinces?

Other provinces are allowing nurse practitioners to do what they should doing. All nurses for that matter can be providing front line access to care. This would certainly start to improve Quebec Health care. The number of nurse practitioners in Quebec is shockingly lower than in Ontario.

The creation of the CLSC’s was motivated by the desire to provide front line services outside of the hospitals in the 1970’s. To improve on shortcomings of the CLSC’s the government decided in the early 2000s to create Family Medicine groups… Doctors in charge and working closely with Nurses.

Despite the greater resources allocated to these changes for over 20 years we still struggle with difficulty in accessing front-line care. So many Quebecers do not have a family doctor. The proportion of the population without a regular family doctor (2015, Stats Canada) was 24.6% in Quebec, 8.3% in Ontario and 15% in Canada. We are the worst performers in all provinces. It is no wonder that our emergency rooms are full and wait times are so horrible. What a waste!

This lack of access to front line services has direct and indirect consequences on the health of our population in Quebec. Thousands of hospitalizations could have been avoided in Quebec with better access to care. (21,000 annually based on stats from 2013) The numbers are only increasing.

Where are those Nurse clinics? There are none on the West Island and only a few private care Nurse Clinics in the East End of Montreal. The presence of nurse practitioners has the potential to greatly improve access to front line care. The existence of Nurse Practitioners began in 2007 in Quebec following an agreement with the Order of Nurses of Quebec and the College of Doctors of Quebec. The agreement allowed Nurses to prescribe under collective orders for common health problems and minor emergencies. Why are we not using this to alleviate the bogged down system?

The Ontario Government encourages the opening of nurse clinics. They announced the establishment of 25 of them in 2007 with the capacity to serve 40,000 patients. Nurse practitioners direct the activities of different health professionals without a doctor on site. A doctor working in collaboration with the clinics is available for more complicated cases.

Quebec insists on maintaining the Family Medicine Model at much greater cost and worse outcomes. A nurse practitioner costs the health care system 1/3 of what a general practitioner costs. While a GP can count on an income of $264,000.00 and the most experienced Nurse practitioner gets $93,700.00. Studies show that anywhere from 25%-70% of the work of non- specialist doctors providing front line care could be carried out by nurses, with referrals to doctors when necessary. Clinics led by nurse’s report that in less than 5% of the cases they need doctor supervision and consultation.

Because our Government does not support and encourage the development of these Nurse Clinics, private clinics are opening. They are more flexible and make greater use of all of the capabilities delegated to nurses.

Resistance to change also deserves to be mentioned. According to Dr. Louis Godin, President of the Fédération des médecins omnipraticiens du Québec, the proper role of nurses is limited to helping and supporting doctors. Innovations like nurse-led clinics have “no place in the health care system” according to him, even though patients are flocking to them. (La Press 2016).

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/what-does-it-take-to-improve-quebec-health-care-like-other-provinces/feed/0The trouble with edible marijuana productshttp://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/the-trouble-with-edible-marijuana-products/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/the-trouble-with-edible-marijuana-products/#respondMon, 09 Jul 2018 13:17:46 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=49467Edible marijuana products – On Oct. 17, smoking cannabis will become legal in Canada. Cannabis edibles, on the other hand, will be legal in a little less than a year. Once cannabis-infused food products are available, things will get complicated in Canada’s food industry. But with the right regulations, this is a profit opportunity that […]

]]>Edible marijuana products – On Oct. 17, smoking cannabis will become legal in Canada. Cannabis edibles, on the other hand, will be legal in a little less than a year.

Once cannabis-infused food products are available, things will get complicated in Canada’s food industry. But with the right regulations, this is a profit opportunity that doesn’t come by every day.

Initially, the cannabis legislation, Bill C-45, didn’t include edibles. It was only last fall that the parliamentary health committee decided that edibles would need to be included if the country was going to adopt a comprehensive approach to legalized cannabis.

According to a recently-published survey from Dalhousie University, 93 per cent of those favouring legalization of marijuana are also very likely to try at least an edible product. Recognizing this possibility, the parliamentary committee approved a neat little amendment and edibles became part of the package.

In less than a year, this will include cannabis – except that, unlike the smokable version, edibles can be consumed by anyone without those around them knowing. It’s discrete, convenient – and potentially dangerous.

Health Canada was caught by surprise by the addition of edibles and is still trying to come up with a regulatory framework. Many questions linger about the distinct dangers that edibles pose, particularly for children. Food companies are notoriously paranoid about food-safety issues, since they’re always just one recall, outbreak or tragic incident away from closing their doors. All it takes is one child eating a cannabis-infused product and the damage to that food company would be irreversible.

It’s critical that a regulatory framework be put in place. That would include proper labelling of edibles, complete with THC content and intoxicant warnings, to assure the public and industry that edibles and humans can co-exist safely.

With adequate safety measures, edibles present a hugely profitable opportunity for the Canadian food industry. No one really knows what the market potential is for cannabis, much less for edibles, but growth opportunities are palpable.

In California, for example, consumers purchased US$180 million worth of cannabis-infused food and drink last year. This amounts to roughly 10 per cent of the state’s total cannabis sales. Sales are up 18 per cent since January of this year. In Colorado, where cannabis is also legal, sales of edibles rose by about 60 per cent a year over the past two years.

This kind of tremendous growth is what the food industry needs right now. The more consumers are exposed to cannabis, the more they will opt for the edible version. This is a potential phenomenon akin to what the industry saw with sales of gluten-free products.

Edibles also stand to shake up current players in the food sector. For example, people may choose cannabis more often than a drink or two, and thus disrupt the alcohol industry. We could see some consumers substituting their usual wine, beer or spirits for a cannabis-infused spaghetti sauce, or even cannabis oil. Or perhaps some will be opt for a pot muffin or brownie.

In fact, many wine producers are concerned about what a mature cannabis market will look like. For Ontario, British Columbia and Nova Scotia – where the wine industry flourishes – this could be a problem. We’re already seeing cannabis beer being launched in different places in the country.

But it’s not just alcohol that’s susceptible, since edibles can take many different forms: Candies are the leading cannabis food product sold in the United States.

It will be interesting to see how branding strategies align with cannabis. Some people will choose cannabis to get high but not everyone. Beyond the psychoactive effects of cannabis, there’s also the possibility of pitching it as a superfood. The cannabis plant is full of nutritional value. It contains protein, carbohydrates, insoluble fibre, potassium, magnesium, sulphur, calcium, iron, zinc, vitamins E and C, and many other elements considered beneficial for human health. For food manufacturers looking for a new value-added feature, cannabis could be the next omega-3 or probiotic.

The Dalhousie survey questioned businesses about their plans for cannabis edibles. Almost 20 per cent of the food processing companies surveyed are either in the edibles market or intend to enter the market within a year.

But a whopping 50 per cent of food companies in Canada are uncertain about their position regarding cannabis. Respondents cited various reasons, such as concerns over employees being trained properly or not knowing what products will eventually be allowed into the market. Many companies are also worried about how it can affect their brands or their supply chain strategy with other partners.

With legalization, the stigma of cannabis will eventually disappear. But it will take a while. The food industry is known to be extremely risk averse and it won’t be any different toward cannabis.

Until the industry knows the consumer is ready, cannabis edibles will stay on the sidelines. But that likely won’t last long.

]]>http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/the-trouble-with-edible-marijuana-products/feed/0How are we doing with our Quebec health System?http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/how-are-we-doing-with-our-quebec-health-system/
http://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/social-life/how-are-we-doing-with-our-quebec-health-system/#respondThu, 05 Jul 2018 15:38:39 +0000http://mtltimes.ca/?p=49360Quebec health System – For years I have ranted about how we can be doing so much better by using Nurses to do what they are supposed to be doing. Let’s move toward a “health care system” and not “a sick care system” I came across a Gazette article in June 7th, 2016. “Quebec needs […]

]]>Quebec health System – For years I have ranted about how we can be doing so much better by using Nurses to do what they are supposed to be doing. Let’s move toward a “health care system” and not “a sick care system”

I came across a Gazette article in June 7th, 2016. “Quebec needs nurse practitioner clinics.” They looked to Ontario for examples of better and less expensive services saying specialized nurse practitioners cost the system approximately one third of what a general practitioner costs. I argue that all nurses with good clinical skills can assess the needs of individuals and use collective orders, which have been an option for years in Quebec, to prescribe blood tests, antibiotics, treat minor injuries and drain an abscess. The list is much longer than this but you get the idea.

Why then are we not using this option? Once tests are completed and results are in and reviewed by the nurse only abnormal results should be screened by the doctor for a medical plan. Follow up and teaching can then be done by the Nurse. We would “need less doctors, not more” and everyone could be seen quickly instead of waiting months for an appointment. The care and plan would be less fragmented because one nurse would know the whole story and consult various health care providers accordingly.

Once conditions and needs are identified by groups, various support systems can be developed to be sure diseases and conditions are well managed. Health care providers would focus on teaching and help people learn to self-manage. This approach would be much less expensive and provide a higher quality of care. Another consistent theme on my list of rants “Take charge of your own health.”

Imagine not needing to wait 12 hours in an emergency room for an antibiotic prescription for your child’s ear infection. Imagine not having to wait 3 months to have your ear unblocked. With collective orders a nurse can look after these problems within days.

Instead of looking at these solutions we remain bogged down with our centralized, bureaucratic, doctor run model that is not working! Nurse clinics can respond to the needs of those who do not have a family doctor for whom emergency rooms are their only access to the system. Non urgent cases represent a large percentage of emergency visits. What a waste of valuable resources! When will we wake up in our public sector? Fund these types of clinics! Instead the Health Minister’s idea is to support Family Medicine clinics operated by doctors. So far this has not improved our situation. Where’s this solution going? Nowhere fast!

Unfortunately the public sector is missing the boat and we the consumers and tax payers suffer because of it. The good news is that private nurse clinics are surfacing in Quebec. One such clinic that I have been recently working with is “24/7 Expertise en soins de santé.” They have a great operation and nurses and other health professionals often see 50+ people/day with various needs. The sad news for West Islanders is that they are on Mont Royal East. I do believe we could offer this service with a branch here on the West Island. What do you think?

In the meantime, I am pleased to announce that I am now partnered with 24/7 in providing Home Care Services. (www.expertise24-7.com.) This partnership allows us at Health Access to continue to provide quality home care services in our community as we have done for the past 20 years.